Using Odontoblasts Derived from Dog Endometrial Stem Cells Encapsulated in Fibrin Gel Associated with BMP-2 in a Rat Pulp-Capping Model

This study aimed to treat dental injuries by utilizing one of the most advanced tissue engineering techniques. In this study, an in vitro model was employed to investigate the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of canine endometrial stem cells (C-EnSCs). Furthermore, the dentin regeneration potential of odontoblast like-cells (OD) derived from C-EnSCs was assessed in rats. The C-EnSCs were isolated by the enzymatic method and identified by flow cytometry. The C-EnSCs were encapsulated in fibrin gel associated with signaling factors to create the proper conditions for cell growth and differentiation. Then, the OD cells were associated with bone morphologic protein-2 (BMP-2) to promote dentin formation in vivo. The animal model used to evaluate the regenerative effect of cells and biomaterials included the preparation of the left maxillary first molar of rats for direct pulp capping operation. Animals were divided into four groups: group 1, a control group without any treatment, group 2, which received fibrin, group 3, which received fibrin with ODs (fibrin/ODs), and group 4, which received fibrin with ODs and BMP-2 (fibrin/ODs/BMP-2). The morphological observations showed the differentiation of C-EnSCs into adipose, bone, neural cells, and ODs. Furthermore, the histomorphometric data of the treated teeth showed how fibrin gel and BMP2 at a concentration of 100 ng/mL provided an optimal microenvironment for regenerating dentin tissue in rats, which was increased significantly with the presence of OD cells within eight weeks. Our study showed that using OD cells derived from C-EnSCs encapsulated in fibrin gel associated with BMP2 can potentially be an appropriate candidate for direct pulp-capping and dentin regeneration.

Effect of lidocaine, fentanyl, or dexmedetomidine on minimum infusion rate and cardiorespiratory variables in dogs undergoing ketofol total intravenous anesthesia

Background

It has been proposed that dose reduction via co-administration of other agents might ameliorate respiratory depression associated with ketofol.

Aims

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of adding lidocaine, fentanyl, or dexmedetomidine on the required dose and cardiorespiratory variables in dogs undergoing total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with ketofol.

Methods

In phase I, twelve dogs (six per each treatment) were induced and maintained with two out of four anesthetic regimens of (1) ketofol (4 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg/min, respectively; KET), (2) ketofol and lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg/min, respectively; KLD), (3) ketofol and fentanyl (5 µg/kg and 0.1 µg/kg/min, respectively; KFN), and (4) ketofol and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg and 2 mg/kg/h, respectively; KDX) with at least one-week interval. The minimum infusion rate (MIR) of ketofol was determined. In phase II, the other twelve dogs were given the same anesthetic regimens for 60 min with the determined infusion rate of ketofol, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded.

Results

Mean MIR of ketofol for KET, KLD, KFN, and KDX were 0.35, 0.23, 0.15, and 0.08 mg/kg/min, respectively. In phase II, the times of recovery events were shorter in KFN and KDX than KET and KLD. The heart rate was significantly higher than baseline in KET and KLD, which was also significantly lower than KFN and KDX at several time points. In all treatments, respiratory depression was detected.

Conclusion

Despite the decrease in the dose of ketofol, none of the added drugs attenuated respiratory depression caused by this agent.

Paravertebral brachial plexus block in sheep: a cadaveric and in vivo study

The Objective of the present study was to evaluate paravertebral brachial plexus block in sheep. A group of 13 healthy sheep with 20.10 ± 2.20 kg weight and five months of age were used. In phase I, in five sheep, an insulated needle attached to a nerve stimulator was directed to the location of C6, C7, C8 and T1 nerves and a 1.50 mL of a solution containing 1:1 methylene blue 1.00% and lidocaine 1.00% was injected at each site. Then, the cervical and thoracic areas were dissected and assessed in the cadavers. In phase II, cervical paravertebral block with 2.00% lidocaine and subsequent assessments were done in eight live sheep. Cadaveric evaluations revealed dye spread in C6 to T1 nerves: 61.75 ± 5.50, 72.75 ± 9.18, 40.75 ± 2.99 and 18.75 ± 3.30 mm, respectively. In three sheep, dye distribution in the anterior mediastinum was observed. In phase II, the onsets of anesthesia were determined within 10 and 15 min for sensory and motor blocks, respectively. Anesthesia at axillary, musculocutaneous, radial and ulnar skin sites and motor block lasted for 67.50 ± 15.80, 63.70 ± 16.00, 55.00 ± 21.70, 56.70 ± 19.70 and 76.40 ± 24.30 min, respectively. In three sheep, no anesthesia was observed for radial and ulnar skin sites. In conclusion, paravertebral brachial plexus block in sheep provided an acceptable block for the upper parts of the elbow joint, however, it was not effective and reliable for more distal structures.

Evaluation of intraperitoneal administration of morphine on post-operative pain management after ovariohysterectomy in dogs

The present prospective randomized experimental study was designed to assess pain control with intraperitoneal morphine following ovariohysterectomy in dogs. A group of 12 mixed breed female dogs, aged 1-2 years, weighing 19.95 ± 0.95 kg were included. Forty minutes after sedation with 0.05 mg/kg intramuscular acepromazine 1%, anaesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg/kg). The dogs were connected to the inhalation anaesthesia circuit using isoflurane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and before the closure of linea alba, the animals received intraperitoneal morphine (0.5 mg/kg) (in group M) and saline (0.2 ml/kg) (in group S). No significant difference was detected in total protein and glucose levels between the groups, while the cortisol level in group M was significantly lower than group S 1, 3 and 6 h after surgery. Furthermore, the comparison of the rectal temperature, heart rates and respiratory rates showed no major differences. Additionally, no significant alterations were detected between the groups considering the changes in the pain scores with simple descriptive score, Glasgow, University of Melbourne pain scale, sedation status and Sammarco methods. Finally, three cases in group S and two cases in group M were given an intramuscular analgesic rescue dose of morphine. Although a significant decline was observed in cortisol levels following intraperitoneal morphine administration, there were no beneficial changes in the efficiency of post-operative analgesia in status and clinical signs compared to the control group. Further studies are required to investigate intraperitoneal morphine effectiveness in post-operative pain management.

Effectiveness of nuchal ligament autograft in the healing of an experimental superficial digital flexor tendon defect in equid

This study aimed to investigate nuchal ligament (NL) autograft on experimental tendon defect healing in donkeys. Eight healthy donkeys were used. The left forelimb’s superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon was assigned as treatment, and the right forelimb was allocated as the control group (without surgical intervention). A 3×1.5 cm segment of the funicular part of the NL was excised. A full thickness defect created in the treatment tendon and was grafted with the excised NL. The following parameters were evaluated in 120 days postoperatively: clinical, ultrasonography, radiography, histopathology, biomechanical properties, and scanning and electronic transmission microscopy. There were no significant changes observed in the neck angle so that it was confirmed this treatment regimen preserved the head and neck situation without any considerable neck swelling. Weight-bearing in gait and trot was similar between both forelimbs at the end of the study. Mild to moderate adhesion was detected in the dorsal surface of the SDF tendon. There was no significant difference in the echogenicity and fiber alignment, respectively, on days 90 and 120 after surgery. Treatment significantly amplified the collagen diameter and enhanced the collagen fibril diameter and density considerably compared to the NL. The transplanted tissue was mostly in the remodeling or maturation phase, on day 120 postoperatively. It seems that the NL is biocompatible, almost biodegradable, and effective in tendon healing without metaplasia or tissue rejection.

The effects of doxapram on haematology, serum biochemical parameters and erythrocyte oxidant/ antioxidant status in dogs anaesthetized with propofol

The present prospective randomized experimental study was designed to determine the effects of doxapram on haematological, serum biochemical and antioxidant status in dogs after propofol anaesthesia. Twenty-four healthy male mixed breed dogs, aged 1-2 years, weighing 20.4 ± 2.6 kg was studied. Each dog was anaesthetized twice, with at least one week for washout. Animals were sedated with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Forty minutes later, anaesthesia was induced using intravenous (IV) propofol (4 mg/kg) titration and maintained for 30 min by propofol (0.2 mg kg^-1  min^-1 ). After propofol was discontinued, doxapram (2 mg/kg) hydrochloride was administrated IV in PD treatment while an equal volume of saline was administrated in PS treatment. Blood parameters were analysed in four times: immediately before sedation (T1), after treatment (T2), after complete recovery (T3) and 24 hr later (T4). Haematological assessments revealed no significant difference between treatments except in haematocrit which was significantly reduced at T4 (24 hr later) in PD. A decreasing trend of all haematological variables was observed after doxapram administration until recovery, except monocyte, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width and platelet count. Serum urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, direct bilirubin concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity were not changed following doxapram administration compared to the PS treatment. After doxapram administration, Creatinine (T3), Albumin (T2) and Protein (T2 & T3) decreased while Glucose (T2 & T3) and BT (T3) increased. Antioxidant parameters measured showed no difference between treatments or time. Doxapram (2 mg/kg) IV did not induce any major negative effects on haematological, serum biochemical variables and oxidant/antioxidant status in dogs after propofol anaesthesia.

Silymarin effect on experimental bone defect repair in rat following implantation of the electrospun PLA/carbon nanotubes scaffold associated with Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells

In this study, the ability of silymarin to heal rat calvarial bone critical defects with mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human Wharton's jelly (HWJMSC) cultured on the electrospun scaffold of poly (lactic acid)/carbon nanotube (PLA/CNT) has been examined. In this study, 20 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five each. Under general anesthesia, 8 mm defects were created in the calvarial bone of the rats. Then, study groups were defined as no treatment group, the scaffold alone, the scaffold and HWJMSCs, and the scaffold/cells plus oral silymarin, respectively. The histomorphometric study was performed using H&E staining and Goldner's Masson trichrome as specific staining. The results of this study showed that the electrospun PLA/CNT scaffold is a biocompatible scaffold and HWJMSCs can considerably attach and proliferate on this scaffold, and the scaffold itself is also a suitable option for improving the bone repair process. The results of the histomorphometric analysis also showed a significantly higher amount of recently formed bone in the silymarin group plus scaffold/cells compared to the scaffold and cell group alone (p < .05). Utilizing silymarin plus HWJMSCs cultured on PLA/CNT scaffold can be used as a suitable method for the process of osteogenesis and bone repair.

Comparison of sedative and some cardiopulmonary effects of intramuscular medetomidine or medetomidine-tramadol in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and physiologic effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of medetomidine with and without tramadol in dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective experimental study.

ANIMALS

A group of eight mixed breed dogs of both sexes, aged 1-2 years, weighing 16.0 ± 0.6 kg.

METHODS

Each dog was studied twice at ≥1 week interval. Medetomidine (5 μg kg^-1; treatment M) was administered IM alone or with tramadol (4 mg kg^-1; treatment MT). Sedation was scored by a system that included vocalization, posture, appearance, interactive behaviors, resistance to restraint and response to noise. Times from drug administration to ataxia, impaired walking, head drop, sternal and lateral position and standing were recorded. Sedation score, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, end-tidal carbon dioxide (Pe'CO₂), hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean noninvasive blood pressure were recorded and compared 15 minutes before and 15, 30 and 45 minutes after drug administration.

RESULTS

Dogs administered MT had higher sedation scores than dogs administered M at 30 and 45 minutes after drug administration (p < 0.05). Times to ataxia, impaired walking, head drop and sternal recumbency were not different between the treatments. Time to lateral recumbency was longer in M than in MT (21.1 ± 1.0 versus 17.6 ± 0.7 minutes, respectively; p < 0.05). Time to standing was longer in MT than in M (67.9 ± 1.4 versus 54.5 ± 1.9 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001). Measured physiological variables did not differ between the treatments, with the exception of Pe'CO₂, which was higher in MT than in M at all post-treatment evaluation times (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tramadol combined with medetomidine resulted in greater sedation scores (deeper sedation) than medetomidine alone in dogs, and minimal adverse changes in the physiologic variables were measured.

Comparison of the application of lidocaine, lidocaine-dexamethasone and lidocaine-epinephrine for caudal epidural anesthesia in cows

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the addition of dexamethasone or epinephrine to lidocaine altered the characteristics of anesthesia and cardiorespiratory variables following caudal epidural application in cows. Twenty adult dairy cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the treatments of lidocaine (LID, 0.2 mg/kg), dexamethasone (DEX, 8 mg), lidocaine-dexamethasone (LIDEX; 0.2 mg/kg and 8 mg, respectively) and lidocaine-epinephrine (LIDEP; 0.2 mg/kg and 5 µg/ml, respectively) by epidural injection with the final volume of 0.018 ml/kg and 10 ml of solution as the upper limit. The time to the onset and duration of anesthesia as well as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f _R) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded. No local anesthetic effects were observed in DEX. The onset of anesthesia did not show significant differences among LID, LIDEX and LIDEP. The duration of anesthesia was significantly longer in LIDEX (152.4 ± 25.8 min) as compared to LID (116.0 ± 11.5 min). Although the duration of anesthesia in LIDEP (137.7 ± 10.0 min) was longer in comparison to LID, the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference regarding the onset and duration of anesthesia between LIDEX and LIDEP. HR, f _R and RT did not show significant changes over time. Mild transient ataxia was observed in groups that received lidocaine-containing solutions. In conclusion, addition of dexamethasone to lidocaine, without altering the time to onset, produced more prolonged anesthesia than that of lidocaine alone following caudal epidural application in cows.

Cardiopulmonary effects during anaesthesia induced and maintained with propofol in acepromazine pre-medicated donkeys

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of anaesthesia induced and maintained with propofol in acepromazine pre-medicated donkeys.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective experimental study.

ANIMALS

Six healthy male donkeys weighing 78-144 kg.

METHODS

Donkeys were pre-medicated with intravenous (IV) acepromazine (0.04 mg kg(-1) ). Ten minutes later, anaesthesia was induced with IV propofol (2 mg kg(-1) ) and anaesthesia maintained by continuous IV infusion of the propofol (0.2 mg kg(-1)  minute(-1) ) for 30 minutes. Baseline measurements of physiological parameters, and arterial blood samples were taken before the acepromazine administration, then 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the induction of anaesthesia. Changes from baseline were analysed by anova for repeated measures.

RESULTS

When compared with baseline (standing) values, during anaesthesia heart rate increased throughout: significant at 5 (p = 0.001) and 15 (p = 0.015) minutes. Mean arterial blood pressure increased significantly only at 15 minutes (p < 0.001). Respiratory rate and arterial pH did not change significantly. PaO2 was lower throughout anaethesia, but this only reached significance at 15 minutes (p = 0.041). PaCO2 was statistically (but not clinically) significantly reduced at the times of 30 (p = 0.02), 45 (p = 0.01) and 60 (p = 0.04). Rectal temperature decreased significantly at all times of the study.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Administration of propofol by the continuous infusion rate for the maintenance of anaesthesia resulted in stable cardiopulmonary effects and could prove to be clinically useful in donkeys.

Histopathologic and Radiographic evaluation of the electroacupuncture effects on ulna fracture healing in dogs

Acupuncture can affect bone healing by stimulation of sensory nerves and releasing of local and systemic neuropeptides. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on ulna fracture healing in dogs. In this study, 12 healthy dogs were randomly divided in to four equal groups, where group 1 was kept as control group and evaluated for 45 days, group 2: treatment group and evaluated for 45 days, group3: control group of 90 days and group 4: treatment group of 90 days. After induction of anesthesia, the ulna was cut with Gigli wire saw in each groups, 10 days after operation, the treatment (acupuncture) group was treated with 10 minutes electroacupuncture stimulations on the acupoints Kid1, Kid3, Kid6 and Kid7, for 10 days. Histopathologic samples of all dogs were harvested from bone osteotomized site in 45 and 90 days after surgery. Indices like, count of inflammatory cells, cartilaginous tissue, fibrotic tissue and deposition of collagen were evaluated on samples and classified with 0, 1, 2, and 3 degrees. Also, radiographic evaluation of the patients was applied using radiographic scoring system on days: 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 after surgery. This study revealed that, acupuncture had no effect on bone healing (p>0.05). Cause of non-significant difference changes between the control and treatment groups, and lack of complete healing in both groups may be due to lack of ulna bone fixation. Alternatively, selection of other acupoints in acupuncture could have a better healing role.

Effects of xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on plasma levels of cortisol and vital signs during laparotomy in dogs

This study was designed to evaluate effects of xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on plasma levels of cortisol and vital signs during and after laparotomy in dogs. Eight clinically healthy, adult male dogs, weighing 20 kg were used. All dogs were initially sedated by acepromazine. Thirty minutes later, ketamine plus xylazine was used to induce anesthesia. Surgical incision of laparotomy was done. After a 5 min manipulation of the abdominal organs, the incision was sutured. Vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at the times of -30: premedication, 0: induction and Surgical incision, 30: End of surgery, 60, 90 and 120 min. Blood was sampled at the above mentioned times and analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit for cortisol. A significant decreasing trend in RT was observed during the studied times. No significant changes were observed in heart rate and respiratory rate (p>0.05), except at the time of 60 respiratory rate significantly decreased when compared to the time of 90 (p=0.026) and 120 (p=0.041). A non-significant but increasing trend in plasma levels of cortisol was observed.

Histopathologic and Radiographic evaluation of the electroacupuncture effects on ulna fracture healing in dogs

Acupuncture can affect bone healing by stimulation of sensory nerves and releasing of local and systemic neuropeptides. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on ulna fracture healing in dogs. In this study, 12 healthy dogs were randomly divided in to four equal groups, where group 1 was kept as control group and evaluated for 45 days, group 2: treatment group and evaluated for 45 days, group3: control group of 90 days and group 4: treatment group of 90 days. After induction of anesthesia, the ulna was cut with Gigli wire saw in each groups, 10 days after operation, the treatment (acupuncture) group was treated with 10 minutes electroacupuncture stimulations on the acupoints Kid1, Kid3, Kid6 and Kid7, for 10 days. Histopathologic samples of all dogs were harvested from bone osteotomized site in 45 and 90 days after surgery. Indices like, count of inflammatory cells, cartilaginous tissue, fibrotic tissue and deposition of collagen were evaluated on samples and classified with 0, 1, 2, and 3 degrees. Also, radiographic evaluation of the patients was applied using radiographic scoring system on days: 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 after surgery. This study revealed that, acupuncture had no effect on bone healing (p>0.05). Cause of non-significant difference changes between the control and treatment groups, and lack of complete healing in both groups may be due to lack of ulna bone fixation. Alternatively, selection of other acupoints in acupuncture could have a better healing role.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and amyloidosis

Amyloidosis in association with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has rarely been reported. We report a patient with "SLE" and Amyloidosis presenting with recurrent bloody diarrhea and review the relevant literature.