Efectos de amitraz más Parapoxvirus ovis sobre EGF, VEGF, IGF-1 e IGF-2 en la demodicosis generalizada canina

Objetivo. El propósito del estudio es investigar el efecto del tratamiento con amitraz más-Parapoxvirus ovis (IPPVO) sobre las concentraciones séricas y las expresiones cutáneas del factor de crecimiento insulínico (IGF) -1 y -2, factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGF), vascular factor de crecimiento endotelial (VEGF), en perros que padecen demodicosis generalizada (GD). Materiales y métodos. A los perros afectados por GD se les inyectó 1 mL de IPPVO los días 0, 2 y 9 por vía subcutánea además del tratamiento con amitraz (0,025%) dos veces por semana durante 80 días. Las concentraciones de IGF-1, IGF-2, EGF y VEGF en suero sanguíneo se midieron mediante un kit de ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas específico para caninos. Las expresiones de EGF, VEGF, IGF-1 e IGF-2 en muestras de biopsia de piel se examinaron inmunohistoquímicamente. Resultados. Después del tratamiento de los perros con amitraz más-IPPVO en GD, demostramos una reducción significativa tanto en las concentraciones circulantes como en las expresiones cutáneas de EGF, VEGF, IGF-1 e IGF-2, que tienen un papel en la preservación de la integridad de la piel y la herida. curación. Conclusiones. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que IGF-1, IGF-2 EGF y VEGF tienen un papel crucial en la progresión de la GD en perros. Se cree que los hallazgos de este estudio contribuirán al desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para el tratamiento de la GD, que es un problema de salud importante para los perros.

Apigenin alleviates neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of apigenin on inflammatory response in brain tissue in Parkinson's mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parkinson's disease model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Sixty 8-10-weeks-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups control, Parkinson, prophylaxis, and treatment. Control (0.9% NaCl 0.5 ml, 10 days, i.p.), Parkinson (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), prophylaxis (50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days + 25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), and treatment (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days + 50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days). The expressions and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were determined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis.

RESULTS

Apigenin administration attenuated MPTP-induced histopathological changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, apigenin reversed the changes in expressions and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that apigenin could be used as a neuroprotective option to attenuate neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.

Expression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Its Type 2 Receptor in the Ovary of Pregnant and Cyclic Domestic Cats

To evaluate the expression of AMH and its receptor AMHRII, ovaries of 33 p cats were investigated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. After ovariohysterectomy, the cats were grouped according to pregnancy stages and ovarian/placental endocrine activity: group I (n = 3, 24−29 days), II (n = 8, 32−40 days), III (n = 4, 41−46 days), IV (n = 6, 53−61 days) and according to cycle stages: V (n = 6, interestrus) and VI (n = 6, estrus). Serum progesterone- and AMH-concentration was measured. Follicle numbers did not differ between groups. The number of corpora lutea was higher in pregnant cats than in the non-pregnant cats. Serum AMH concentration was at maximum between day 30 and 50 of gestation, and was higher than in non-pregnant cats, then decreased towards term (p < 0.05). In the ovaries, AMH immunopositivity was observed in granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles, and in interstitial cells of corpora lutea; highest percentage of immunopositive areas was detected in group III (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between the number of corpora lutea and the positive AMH signals in ovarian tissue was determined (r2 = 0.832, p < 0.05); however, only during mid-gestation (group II). Expression of AMHRII was in close co-localization with AMH and strong in the interstitial cells surrounding follicles undergoing atresia. AMHRII expression did not differ between pregnant groups but was higher compared to estrus cats (p ˂ 0.05). We conclude that AMH and AMHRII expression in the feline ovary is comparable to other species. The high serum AMH concentration and ovarian AMHRII expression between day 30 and 50 of gestation are probably related to ovarian activity and follicular atresia.

Epidermal growth factor concentration in milk of healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has biological roles, including embryonic organ development, breast morphogenesis, breast cell proliferation, and mammary development. This study aimed to measure EGF concentration and evaluate its relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) in healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) milk. The study material was constituted of 120 milk samples obtained from 30 healthy water buffaloes between the ages of 3 - 6 years, negative for California mastitis test and SCC less than 3.00 × 10⁵ cells mL^-1 milk. In milk serum samples, the EGF concentration was measured using a bovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Epidermal growth factor concentration in the buffalo milk was ranged from 4.30 to 9.80 ng mL^-1, with a mean of 8.30 ± 1.50 ng mL^-1. Positive correlation between milk SCC values and EGF concentrations was recorded in water buffaloes. Further research is required to evaluate the content of milk EGF in different species of animals because of the EGF effective role in mammary gland and intestinal mucosa.

Nobiletin attenuates inflammation via modulating proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokine expressions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of nobiletin by evaluating the expression of cytokines associated with inflammatory reactions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice aged between 8 and 10 weeks were used. Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10 mice per group): control, EAE, low-prophylaxis, high-prophylaxis, low-treatment and high-treatment. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and pertussis toxin. Nobiletin was administered in low (25 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses, intraperitoneally. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of nobiletin on brain tissue and spinal cord were evaluated by expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) using immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Prophylactic and therapeutic use of nobiletin inhibited EAE-induced increase of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 activities to alleviate inflammatory response in brain and spinal cord. Moreover, nobiletin supplement dramatically increased the IL-10, TGF-β and IFNγ expressions in prophylaxis and treatment groups compared with the EAE group in the brain and spinal cord. The results obtained from this study show that prophylactic and therapeutic nobiletin modulates expressions of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in brain and spinal cord dose-dependent manner in EAE model. These data demonstrates that nobiletin has a potential to attenuate inflammation in EAE mouse model. These experimental findings need to be supported by clinical studies.

Investigation of diagnostic use of serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in dioestrus and anoestrus bitches before and after ovariohysterectomy and the relationship with ovarian follicle numbers

The aims of the study were to (1) compare the serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with the number of follicles in ovaries and (2) determine the serum AMH con- centration before and after ovariohysterectomy in dioestrus and anoestrus bitches. Sixteen bitches were divided into two groups: Group I (n=8) consisted of dioestrus and group II (n=8) anoestrus bitches. The blood samples for AMH assesment were taken before ovariohysterectomy (day 0) and on day 1, 5 and 10. Both in group I and II, serum AMH concentrations on day 1 and 5 were significantly different compared to day 0 (p⟨0.05). However, the concentrations at day 10 were under the minimum detectable concentration (1.0 ng/mL) and this finding revealed that ovaries are the only source of AMH synthesis. Follicle counts were not statistically different between the groups (p>0.05). Significantly positive correlation in serum AMH with secondary follicle num- bers (r=.942, p⟨0.01), as well as negative correlation with antral follicle numbers (r=-.765, p⟨0.05) were determined in the group I. In the group II, positive correlations between serum AMH concentration and secondary follicle numbers (r=.960, p⟨0.01) and early antral follicles (r=.726, p⟨0.05) were noted. Assesment of AMH concentration seems to not only provide the diagnosis of the presence of ovaries but also correlate with the number of secondary follicles in young dioestrus and anoestrus bitches.

Expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in ovarian and uterine tissue during diestrus and open cervix cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra in the bitch

The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of 3β-hydroxystreroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in the uterus and ovary of healthy dogs and those with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and/or pyometra complex (CEH-pyometra). Eighteen female dogs were included in the study. Eleven bitches with open cervix CEH-pyometra were included in the CEH-pyometra group and seven diestrus bitches in the control group. For immunostaining a rabbit polyclonal, one raised against recombinant human type 2 (adrenal/gonadal) 3β-HSD was used. Progesterone (P4) concentrations were not statistically different between the groups. Strongly stained large interstitial cell groups in the ovarian medulla were observed particularly in CEH-pyometra group although these cells in the control group were weakly or moderately stained and existed singly or paired. The expressions of 3β-HSD in luminal epithelium (42.40 ± 22.40% vs. 18.42 ± 13.15%, P < 0.05) and glandular epithelium (32.80 ± 27.05% vs. 2.94 ± 7.79%, P < 0.01) of endometrium were significantly higher in CEH-pyometra group than those in the control group. The expression of 3β-HSD in CL was higher (29.38 ± 9.58% vs. 22.94 ± 4.97%) in CEH-pyometra group than that of control group although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, the significant increase in the expression of 3β-HSD in ovarian interstitial cells (33.86 ± 29.44 vs. 1.13 ± 2.97, P < 0.05) was found in CEH-pyometra group compared to the control group. The study revealed that 3β-HSD expression in the endometrium of canine CEH-pyometra was significantly high.

Therapeutic role of curcumin in oxidative DNA damage caused by formaldehyde

PURPOSE

Formaldehyde is a common environmental contaminant that causes oxidative DNA damage in cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), tumor protein 53(TP53), beta-amyloid[Aß(1-42), Aß (1-40)], total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the therapeutic role of curcumin in rat cells with oxidative DNA damage caused by formaldehyde.

METHOD

The control group was given physiological saline for 15 days (i.p.) and the second group was given 37% formaldehyde (i.p.) at a dose of 9 mg/kg group every other day. The third group was given 9 mg/kg formaldehyde (i.p.) every other day and treated therapeutically with 100 mg/kg curcumin every day by gavage. At the end of the trial period, urine, blood, and brain tissue was collected from the rats.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA in sera were increased and the TAC, TP53, and Aß (1-40) levels were reduced in the formaldehyde-treated group with respect to the control group (p<0.005). After treatment with curcumin, the levels of sera MDA were significantly reduced, the TAC, TP53, and Aß (1-40) levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The levels of whole brain Aß (1-42) and 8-OhdG were increased in the formaldehyde-treated group and reduced after treatment with curcumin (P < 0.05). Urinary 8-OhdG excretion increased in the formaldehyde-treated group (P < 0.05) and decreased after treatment with curcumin (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the oxidative stress caused by formaldehyde exposure was reduced with the application of curcumin.

Evaluation of IGF-I levels and serum protein profiles of diabetic cats and dogs

In this study, we measured the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels and evaluated the serum protein profiles of diabetic, insulin-treated, and healthy cats and dogs. The total IGF-I concentrations were 33.74 ± 3.4 ng/mL for normal, 25.8 ± 4.5 ng/mL for diabetic, and 180.4 ± 31.4 ng/mL for insulin-treated cats. IGF-I concentrations were 46.4 ± 6.6 ng/mL for normal, 25.1 ± 4.1 ng/mL for diabetic, and 303.0 ± 61.3 ng/mL for insulin-treated dogs. Total serum protein profiles were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Fourteen bands ranging from 25 to 240 kDa in size were observed for cats, and 17 bands ranging from 25 to 289 kDa were observed for dogs. The densities of the bands differed among control, diabetic, and insulin-treated animals. In conclusion, we found that serum protein profiles and IGF-I concentrations were altered in both diabetic and insulin-treated animals. When judiciously interpreted in the light of other clinical and laboratory data, the techniques used in our study provide a valuable modality for measuring the severity of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

Investigation of serum protein profiles in sheep naturally infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus

This study was carried out to determine serum protein profiles in naturally infected sheep with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The study material consisted of twelve healthy and 36 sheep with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). FMD had been diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and results of serological examination. Serotypes serologically detected in the FMDV-infected sheep were as follows: O (n = 11), A (n = 8) and mixed infection with serotypes O, A and Asia-1 (n = 17).The total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations as well as Albumin/Globulin ratio were slightly different among the groups (P < 0.05). Three protein bands of 66 kDa, 45 kDa and 20 kDa were remarkable. Moderate differences were determined between healthy and infected sheep for proportion of distribution in serum proteins. In conclusion, serum protein concentrations and serum protein profiles were slightly changed and no specific serum protein profile occurred in sheep infected with either O or A or in sheep mixed infected with the O and A and Asia-1 serotypes of FMDV compared to healthy ones.

The effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid profiles and myelin basic protein in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid and myelin basic protein (MBP) profiles. Forty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats (newborn, 1, 6, 12 and 24-monthsold) were studied. Tissues were obtained from the cerebellum and parietal, frontal, temporal cortex of the central nervous system of the rats for steroid extraction. The estradiol, progesteron, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The average levels of estradiol (pg/g), progesteron (ng/g), DHEA (ng/g) and testosterone (ng/g) in the brain tissues were respectively 24.29, 4.59, 0.27, 0.92 in the newborn-rats; 4.18 ± 1.10, 1.54 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.57 ± 0.10 in the 1 month-old-rats; 11.02 ± 1.10, 2.96 ± 0.30, 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.61 ± 0.10 in the 6 month-old-rats; 15.80 ± 1.10, 4.80 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.10, 0.67 ± 0.10 in the 12 monthold- rats; 20.07 ± 1.10, 4.12 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.55±0.10 in the 24 month-old-rats. The myelin basic protein levels were determined by immunohistochemical staining and an elevation was observed in conjunction with the aging process. The results of the study indicate that the alterations in MBP, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone and estrodiol concentrations in the central nervous system of the rats during aging can be considered fundamental for future animal and human studies.

Effect of fluoride exposure on serum glycoprotein pattern and sialic acid level in rabbits

This study describes the effects of fluoride exposure on the protein profile, glycoprotein pattern, and total sialic acid concentration of serum in rabbits. For this aim; 20 healthy New Zealand rabbits were used. The rabbits were divided into two equal groups each with ten animals according to their weighing: control group and experimental group. The rabbits in control group were given drinking tap water containing 0.29 mg/l sodium fluoride and experimental group received the same tap water to which was added 40 mg/l sodium fluoride for 70 days. Blood samples were taken from each rabbit on day 70. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured by a fluoride-specific ion electrode in serum. The fluoride levels in the serum were found as 18.4 (+/-1.58) microg/L in control and 301.3 (+/-52.18) microg/L in fluoride exposed rabbits. The sialic acid levels were found as 69.2 (+/-0.32) mg/dL in control and 43.4 (+/-0.13) mg/dL in fluoride exposed group. The electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins, glycoproteins, and total sialic acid concentration were determined. Fifteen different protein fractions with molecular weights ranging from 22 to 249 kDa were displayed in the serum protein electrophoretic gel of both groups. The raw concentrations of the protein fractions decreased in fluoride exposed rabbits as compared with the control rabbits. The serum glycoprotein pattern revealed seven major protein bands from 47 to 167 kDa in experimental and control groups. The slight decrease of raw concentration of the protein bands in glycoprotein pattern of serum was observed in fluoride toxication comparing to control. The results suggest that serum TSA determination and serum protein electrophoresis can be used to evaluate prognosis of fluoride exposure as a supplementary laboratory test in combination with clinical and other laboratory findings of fluorosis.

Changing of antioxidant enzyme activity on the biliary obstructed rats treated with resveratrol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of antioxidant enzyme activity and nitric oxide levels induced by 28 day biliary obstruction in the rat. A total of 21 young Swiss albino rats were divided in to 3 groups. Bile duct ligations, bile duct ligations plus resveratrol, sham operated. Bile duct ligations plus resveratrol group received 10 mg/kg dose of resveratrol intraperitonealy once daily throughout for 28 days. Liver damage and cholestasis were determined by biochemical examination. SOD, CAT and GSH-PX activity decreased in BDL group compared with shame opareted groups (p < 0.001). NO levels increased in BDL groups compared with shame opareted groups (p < 0.001). SOD, CAT and GSH-PX activity was found higher in BDL+resveratrol treated groups than BDL groups (p < 0.001). In addition this NO levels decreased in BDL+resveratrol treated groups than BDL groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, it is thought that resveratrol may be used as a protective agent in biliary obstructions; however, further clinical and experimental studies are needed to verify its antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects.

Serum protein alterations in dogs naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

We conducted this study to describe the serum electrophoretic pattern in dogs associated with the infection of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The serum protein pattern of 25 dogs with confirmed T. gondii infection and 15 clinically healthy dogs were evaluated using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin bands were seen from the serum electrophoresis of infected and healthy dogs. Compared to the control group, significant decreases in the mean percentages of albumin (from 46.1+/-7.2 to 40.8+/-4.5%, P<0.05), alpha-1 globulin (from 3.9+/-0.4 to 0.8+/-0.2%, P<0.001), alpha-2 globulin (from 9.0+/-0.4 to 8.3+/-0.8%, P<0.01), and beta globulin (from 18.4+/-1.2 to 12.1+/-0.6%, P<0.001) in the infected group were determined. In contrast, gamma globulin fraction was significantly higher in infected dogs (38.1+/-4.6%) than in control dogs (22.7+/-7.2%; P<0.001). Moreover, significant correlations were determined between the percentages of the albumin and gamma globulin fractions and liver enzyme tests including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in infected dogs; however, no correlation was observed for the other protein fractions. In conclusion, marked alterations in serum protein pattern associated with strong modifications of serum protein concentrations are in accordance with the hepatic injury as affirmed by liver enzyme tests that were demonstrated in the canine toxoplasmosis. These findings showed that serum protein electrophoresis can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of canine toxoplasmosis as a supplementary analysis in combination with serological, clinical, and laboratory findings of this disease.

Elevated Plasma Levels of Interleukin 1β, Tumour Necrosis Factor α and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 Are Associated with Pregnancy Toxaemia in Ewes

Pregnancy toxaemia is a metabolic disorder that results from an inadequate energy supply to the growing maternal-fetal unit. The mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of the syndrome has not been fully clarified; however, a key role for cytokines and chemokines including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) has been indicated in women and experimental animals. However, information on the maternal plasma levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 in ewes with pregnancy toxaemia is limited. Thus, the present study was designed to determine plasma IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 concentrations in ewes with severe (n=6) and mild (n=4) naturally occurring pregnancy toxaemia and in uncomplicated pregnant ewes (n=10) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All ewes with pregnancy toxaemia had significantly lower body temperature and respiratory rate than uncomplicated pregnant ewes (p<0.05). With the highest concentrations in severe cases, heart rate, proteinuria and serum uric acid levels as well as plasma IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 were significantly different among all three groups (p<0.05). The plasma concentrations of IL-1 beta in control ewes and ewes with mild and severe toxaemia were 15.81 +/- 3.90 pg/ml, 23.83 +/- 2.42 pg/ml and 34.55 +/- 8.03 pg/ml, respectively. The plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha in control ewes and ewes with mild and severe toxaemia were 7.71 +/- 1.61 pg/ml, 16.13 +/- 3.63 pg/ml, and 22.85 +/- 3.64 pg/ml, respectively. The plasma concentrations of MCP-1 in control ewes and ewes with mild and severe toxaemia were 101.70 +/- 9.86 pg/ml, 134.75 +/- 6.24 pg/ml, and 157.67 +/- 9.69 pg/ml, respectively. Moreover, plasma IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 levels were positively correlated with clinical and well-establish biochemical parameters of pregnancy toxaemia, serum uric acid and proteinuria (p<0.01). Concomitant increase of plasma IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 concentrations along with serum uric acid, proteinuria, and worsening of the clinical signs indicates that such cytokines are involved in the aetiopathogenesis and in perpetuation of the local and systemic inflammatory reactions in pregnancy toxaemia in ewes. Hence, plasma IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 may potentially serve as markers to monitor prognosis of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes.

Cerebellum progesterone concentration decreased in canine distemper virus infection

Progesterone has neuroprotective effects including augmentation of myelination in the central and peripheral nervous system. This study was designed to determine if demyelinating lesions in the cerebellum resulting from canine distemper virus (CDV) infection are associated with progesterone levels. Progesterone was measured using radioimmunoassay in samples of the cerebellum, corpus callosum, medulla oblongata, parietal, frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma collected from ten CDV infected and six non-infected dogs. The cerebellum progesterone level was significantly different between CDV infected (0.66+/-0.09 ng/g) and control dogs (1.14+/-0.09 ng/g) (p<0.001); however, no difference was observed for the other CNS regions, plasma and CSF (p>0.05). The cerebellum progesterone level was also significantly different between acute (0.71+/-0.0 5 ng/g) and chronic cases (0.61+/-0.09 ng/g) (p<0.05). The CDV infected cerebella were also categorized histopathologically according to the severity of demyelinating lesions as mild (n=5), moderate (n=2), or severe (n=3) among which the cerebellum progesterone level was significantly different (p<0.05). Progesterone concentration was 0.71+/-0.05 ng/g in mild, 0.65+/-0.10 ng/g in moderate, and 0.56+/-0.07 ng/g in severe cases. In conclusion, progesterone concentration decreases in the cerebellum in CDV infection and the severity of demyelinating lesions is the greatest in cerebella with the lowest progesterone concentrations. The results suggest that local impairment of progesterone metabolism may be associated with the initiation and progression of cerebellar lesions in CDV infection.