Histopathological characterisation of trunk-dominant canine pemphigus foliaceus, and comparison with classic facial and insecticide-triggered forms

BACKGROUND

While the clinical features were described recently, the histopathological characterisation of trunk-dominant canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is lacking, and whether it differs from classic facial or insecticide-triggered PF is unknown.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

This study describes the histopathological findings of trunk-dominant PF, and compares the results to classic facial and insecticide-triggered PF.

ANIMALS

Skin biopsies from 103 dogs with clinically characterised trunk-dominant (n = 33), classic facial (n = 26) and insecticide-triggered PF (n = 44) were included.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Histological sections, randomised and blinded, were scored for over 50 morphological parameters of pustules, epidermis, dermis, adnexa and crusts. Intact pustule area and width were measured by digital microscopy.

RESULTS

In trunk-dominant PF, 77 intact pustules were predominantly subcorneal (0.0019-1.940 mm2 area, 0.0470-4.2532 mm wide), and contained from one to over 100 acantholytic keratinocytes. Pustules had boat acantholytic cells, corneocytes, perinuclear eosinophilic rings, neutrophil rosettes, acantholytic cell necrosis, rafts, cling-ons and/or eosinophils. Peripustular epidermal spongiosis, necrosis and lymphocyte exocytosis occurred, as did follicular pustules. Mixed dermal inflammation often contained eosinophils. Trunk-dominant PF did not differ from the other PF groups except for few parameters, such as having fewer rafts (p = 0.003). Additional autoimmune inflammatory patterns occurred in all PF groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Trunk-dominant PF and other canine PF variants are histologically similar, which indicates shared pathomechanisms. The identification of common boat acantholytic cells and corneocyte separation has implications for the mechanisms of acantholysis. The diversity of histopathological and polyautoimmunity features support complicated immune mechanisms. Finally, results indicate that diagnostic biopsies cannot differentiate between these PF variants in dogs.

Establishing a canine superficial pyoderma model

AIMS

Pyoderma, predominantly associated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, is a common skin infection of dogs that typically requires long-lasting treatments, complicated by increasing antimicrobial resistance. To investigate new treatment strategies, we aimed at establishing a dog model of pyoderma that closely mimics the natural disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We inoculated six laboratory beagles with a methicillin-susceptible strain of S. pseudintermedius. One millilitre of approximately 10⁷ , 10⁸ , 10⁹ CFU per ml was topically applied onto clipped and tape stripped area of dog skin, which was then treated with a dermaroller (microneedle size: 500 μm) immediately after administration. Dogs were monitored daily, suspect pustules were cultured for S. pseudintermedius and evaluated by cytological and histopathological methods. After 24 h, all dogs developed papules and pustules at all three bacterial inoculation sites, which worsened over the next 48 h. Cytological samples of all skin lesions revealed neutrophils with intracellular cocci. Histopathology confirmed subcorneal neutrophilic pustular dermatitis with intralesional cocci and acantholytic keratinocytes, consistent with superficial pyoderma. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was isolated from pustules of all dogs and confirmed to be the inoculating strain. The results were replicated in all dogs after a wash out period of 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a dog model of pyoderma.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The new model can be used to evaluate novel prevention and treatment options for canine pyoderma.

Apoptosis as a Mechanism for Keratinocyte Death in Canine Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

In humans and dogs, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening dermatosis characterized by sudden epidermal death resulting in extensive skin detachment. There is little information on the pathogenesis of keratinocyte cell death in canine TEN. We studied the occurrence of apoptosis in skin lesions of dogs with TEN to determine if apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease. Immunostaining with antibodies to activated caspase-3 and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling technique revealed positive apoptotic keratinocytes in basal and suprabasal epidermal compartments in 17 biopsy specimens collected from 3 dogs with TEN and 16 from 3 dogs with erythema multiforme (EM). There was no significant difference in the number of positively stained epidermal cells between TEN and EM. These results suggest that apoptosis of epidermal keratinocytes and lymphocytic satellitosis represent one of the early steps in the pathogenesis of canine TEN, as in the human disease counterpart.

Intramedullary Cavernous Malformation of the Spinal Cord in Two Dogs

Intramedullary cavernous malformations (CVMs) of the spinal cord were diagnosed in 2 adult dogs that presented for paraparesis. An intramedullary spinal cord lesion was identified on a myelogram in the first dog, and expansion of the vertebral canal was evident on radiographs in the second. Extensive intraparenchymal hemorrhage was found on gross postmortem examination in both dogs, and a distinct lobulated intramedullary mass was evident in the second dog. Microscopically, both lesions were composed of dilated, thin-walled vascular channels with little-to-no intervening neural parenchyma. Both dogs had evidence of channel thrombosis along with perilesional hemorrhage and hemosiderin accumulation. The second dog had additional degenerative changes, including thickened fibrous channel walls with hyalinization, foci of mineralization, and occasional tongues of entrapped gliotic neuropil. CVMs appear to be an uncommon cause of both acute and chronic spinal cord disease in the dog.

Polyomavirus-associated nephritis in 2 horses

Polyomaviruses produce latent and asymptomatic infections in many species, but productive and lytic infections are rare. In immunocompromised humans, polyomaviruses can cause tubulointerstitial nephritis, demyelination, or meningoencephalitis in the central nervous system and interstitial pneumonia. This report describes 2 Standardbred horses with tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with productive equine polyomavirus infection that resembles BK polyomavirus nephropathy in immunocompromised humans.

Uropathogenic E. coli promote a paracellular urothelial barrier defect characterized by altered tight junction integrity, epithelial cell sloughing and cytokine release

The urinary bladder is a common site of bacterial infection with a majority of cases attributed to uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Sequelae of urinary tract infections (UTIs) include the loss of urothelial barrier function and subsequent clinical morbidity secondary to the permeation of urine potassium, urea and ammonia into the subepithelium. To date there has been limited research describing the mechanism by which this urothelial permeability defect develops. The present study models acute uropathogenic E. coli infection in vitro using intact canine bladder mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers to determine whether infection induces primarily a transcellular or paracellular permeability defect. The Ussing chamber sustains tissue viability while physically separating submucosal and lumen influences, so this model is ideal for quantitative measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) to assess alterations of urothelial barrier function. Using this model, changes in both tissue ultrastructure and TER indicated that uropathogenic E. coli infection promotes a paracellular permeability defect associated with the failure of umbrella cell tight junction formation and umbrella cell sloughing. In addition, bacterial interaction with the urothelium promoted secretion of cytokines from the urinary bladder with bioactivity capable of modulating epithelial barrier function including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-15. IL-15 secretion by the infected bladder mucosa is a novel finding and, because IL-15 plays key roles in reconstitution of tight junction function in damaged intestine, this study points to a potential role for IL-15 in UTI-induced urothelial injury.

Molecular prevalence of Bartonella, Babesia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in dogs with splenic disease

BACKGROUND

Among diseases that cause splenomegaly in dogs, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH), splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), and fibrohistiocytic nodules (FHN) are common diagnoses. The spleen plays an important role in the immunologic control or elimination of vector-transmitted, blood-borne pathogens, including Bartonella sp., Babesia sp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of Bartonella sp., Babesia sp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. DNA in spleens from dogs with LNH, HSA, and FHN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paraffin-embedded, surgically obtained biopsy tissues from LNH (N = 50), HSA (N = 50), and FHN (N = 37) were collected from the anatomic pathology archives. Spleens from specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs (N = 8) were used as controls. Bartonella sp., Babesia sp., and Mycoplasma sp. DNA was amplified by PCR, followed by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Bartonella sp. DNA was more prevalent in FHN (29.7%) and HSA (26%) as compared to LNH (10%) (P = .019, .0373, respectively) or control spleens (0.0%). The prevalence of Babesia sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. DNA was significantly lower than Bartonella sp. DNA in HSA (P = .0005, .006, respectively) and FHN (P = .003, .0004, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in DNA prevalence among the 3 genera in the LNH group.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prevalence of Bartonella sp. in FHN and HSA warrants future investigations to determine if this bacterium plays a role in the development of these splenic diseases.

Identification of Bartonella henselae in 2 cats with pyogranulomatous myocarditis and diaphragmatic myositis

Most cats infected with Bartonella henselae remain outwardly healthy carriers for years; however, self-limiting fever, transient anemia, neurologic dysfunction, lymphadenopathy, reproductive disorders, aortic valvular endocarditis, and neutrophilic myocarditis have been described in experimentally or naturally infected cats. Two cats in a North Carolina shelter died with pyogranulomatous myocarditis and diaphragmatic myositis. Bacteria were visualized in the lesions by Warthin-Starry silver impregnation and by B. henselae immunohistochemistry. B. henselae DNA was amplified and sequenced from the heart of 1 cat and from multiple tissue samples, including heart and diaphragm, from the second cat. This study supports a potential association between B. henselae and what has been historically described as "transmissible myocarditis and diaphragmitis" of undetermined cause in cats.

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in an alpaca

An adult alpaca was presented because of abdominal pain and was diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction. The putative diagnosis at surgery was an intestinal obstruction caused by peritonitis and intra-abdominal adhesions. The cause of the inflammation was not determined at that time. The alpaca died soon after surgery from post-surgical complications and a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia that was not diagnosed until necropsy.

Hereditary cerebellar degeneration in Scottish terriers

BACKGROUND

Hereditary cerebellar degeneration is described in several dog breeds. This heterogeneous group of diseases causes cerebellar ataxia associated with cerebellar cortical degeneration.

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical and histopathological features, and describe the mode of inheritance of hereditary cerebellar degeneration in Scottish Terriers.

ANIMALS

Sixty-two affected dogs recruited through the Scottish Terrier Club of America.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective, observational study: Owners of affected dogs were contacted for a description of clinical signs, age of onset, and disease progression. Medical records, videotapes of gait, and brain imaging were evaluated. When possible, necropsy was performed and the brain examined histopathologically. Prevalence of the disease was estimated and a pedigree analysis was performed to determine mode of inheritance.

RESULTS

Gait abnormalities were noted in the 1st year of life in 76% of dogs, and progressed slowly; only 1 of 27 dogs dead at time of writing was euthanized because of cerebellar degeneration. Clinical signs included wide based stance, dysmetria, intention tremor, and difficulty negotiating stairs and running. Cerebellar atrophy was detected on magnetic resonance imaging. On histopathological examination, there was segmental loss of Purkinje neurons, thinning of molecular and granular layers, and polyglucosan bodies in the molecular layer. Prevalence of disease was estimated at 1 in 1,335 American Kennel Club registered Scottish Terriers. Genetic analysis results are consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

A hereditary cerebellar degenerative disorder with a relatively mild phenotype has emerged in the Scottish Terrier. Genetic studies are needed.

Skin biopsy site selection in small animal dermatology with an introduction to histologic pattern-analysis of inflammatory skin lesions

The skin biopsy is an invaluable diagnostic tool in veterinary dermatology. Biopsy site selection and interpretation of the biopsy report significantly influence the value of this procedure for diagnosing inflammatory skin diseases and are discussed in this article. Skin diseases often present with several different recognizable lesions that change significantly during their evolution. Individual lesions are typically heterogenous--some areas are diagnostic and some are not. Understanding which skin lesions to biopsy, and when and where to sample them, can significantly improve the value of information collected. To increase the information returned to clinicians for a biopsy, veterinary dermatopathologists have adopted the pattern-analysis method of classifying inflammatory skin lesions. This approach is based on recognizing morphologically distinct inflammatory patterns in skin biopsies and their association with particular sets of diseases. A basic knowledge of the pattern-analysis method is essential for maximizing the interpretation of skin biopsy reports.

Primer for non-immunologists on immune-deficient mice and their applications in research

Studies of immune deficiencies have a history as long as that of immunology. However, reports of two key spontaneous recessive mutations in mice (nude in 1966-1968 and scid in 1983) laid the foundations for widespread application of immune-deficient rodents to a broad range of research topics. More recently, technologies modifying the mouse genome by transgenesis, gene ablation and crossbreeding for lines with multiple immune deficits have provided a large number of new types of immunologically impaired mice. The primary goals of this overview are to help non-immunologists understand key differences between some of the immunodeficient strains, develop an appreciation for the value of information derived from immunodeficient mouse-based research and to encourage expanded, creative use of these specialized research animals. Secondary goals are to promote greater awareness of unexpected outcomes that can arise when working with genetically immune-deficient mice, the need for vigilance in maintaining these research animals, and the care required in interpretation of the data that immune-deficient modeling provides. Two illustrations on developing appropriate immune deficient animal models for a new research application conclude the review.

Technetium(V) oxo complexes of substituted propylene diamine dioxime (PnAO) ligands: water-dependent interconversion between syn and anti isomers

99mTc and (99)Tc complexes of PnAO (propylene diamine dioxime) ligands monosubstituted in the 6-position [PnAO-6-R] were prepared and studied. Ligands substituted with an alkyl group or with no substituent (R = H, CH(3), or CH(2)CH(CH(3))(2)), gave only one Tc complex. However, for several other nonalkyl substituents (R = COOCH(3), OH, OCH(3), OCH(2)CH(3), F, CN, NHCOCH(3), and NHCOCH(2)CH(3)), two Tc complexes A and B were formed. Products A and B were assigned to the anti and syn TcO(PnAO-6-R) species, respectively, based on (1)H NMR results. X-ray structure analyses supported these assignments. The A (anti) isomer of TcO(PnAO-6-OH) had the chemical formula TcC(13)H(25)N(4)O(4) and crystallized in an orthorhombic system with space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and Z = 4; a = 12.744(2) A, b = 13.591(2) A, c = 9.976(2) A. The B (syn) isomer of TcO(PnAO-6-CN) had the chemical formula TcC(14)H(24)N(5)O(3) and was a 1:4 mixture of two monoclinic polymorphs: individual rectangular prisms (space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4) and clusters of intergrown twinned rectangular rods (space group Cc, Z = 8). For the prisms, a = 12.457(1) A, b = 13.932(1) A, c = 10.336(1) A, and for the rods, a = 31.344(5) A, b = 6.993(1) A, c = 21.657(2) A. The syn and anti isomers interconverted in the presence of water; nonequilibrium mixtures of epimers remained unchanged under dry conditions. The HPLC behavior under reversed phase conditions was consistent with on-column interconversion (poor resolution), whereas the two isomers were cleanly resolved under drier normal phase conditions. An oxo inversion mechanism involving trans water attack is proposed for the interconversion process. Water also influenced the position of equilibrium of the two isomers. The syn isomer was stabilized in water relative to the anti isomer.

Halicephalobus gingivalis encephalomyelitis in a horse

An 8-year-old, Arabian mare presented with acute progressive ataxia and a firm swelling over the right mandible. Radiographs revealed multiple radiolucent areas on the mandibles. The mare's neurological signs progressed, she was consequently euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed mandibular granulomatous reactions and meningoencephalitis due to the nematode Halicephalobus gingivalis.

Halicephalobus gingivalis (Stefanski, 1954) from a fatal infection in a horse in Ontario, Canada with comments on the validity of H. deletrix and a review of the genus

Although the original description given by Stefanski (1954) was satisfactory, Anderson & Bemrick (1965), in describing H. deletrix (= Micronema deletrix), claimed Stefanski's description was "inadequate" and the species a "species inquirenda". Thus, infections in horses and humans have been assigned to H. deletrix. We believe the species reported in horses and humans is H. gingivalis and that H. deletrix is its synonym. H. gingivalis is separated herein from forms found free-living. The genital tract in the advanced fourth stage of H. gingivalis is didelphic and amphidelphic and terminal ends of the horns are reflected, the anterior one ventrally, the posterior one dorsally. In the adult parthenogen the latter forms a short ovary, whereas most of the anterior horn forms a combined uterus-oviduct as a receptacle for a single large egg which is laid in the 2-cell or multi-cell stage. Eggs in the 2-cell stage embryonated to larvae in 17 hours at 28 degrees C but did not hatch until an additional 24 hours. First-stage larvae were unusually large and variable in length (136-199 microns x = 168). Inactive third-stage larvae were 180-240 microns (x = 203) in length. The possible route of infection in horses and humans is briefly discussed.

Functional anatomy of the cartilage of the distal phalanx and digital cushion in the equine foot and a hemodynamic flow hypothesis of energy dissipation

OBJECTIVES

To examine macro- and microscopic characteristics of cartilage of the distal phalanx (ungual cartilage [UC]) and digital cushion in the equine foot and to relate them to the foot's function of energy dissipation.

ANIMALS

85 horses and 5 foals of various breeds and ages.

PROCEDURE

Feet, obtained at necropsy, were perfused with India ink (n = 30), latex (5), or polymer plastic (10). Select feet were examined histologically for tissue architecture and to identify elastic fibers. Immunochemistry to identify substance P peptides in nerves (feet from foals) and gold chloride impregnation of axons (n = 10) were performed. Feet were sectioned transversely (n = 27) or coronally (62 feet in a matched-paired study). Ungual cartilage was measured at the navicular bone. Digital cushions were examined for relative tissue composition between forefeet and hind feet.

RESULTS

Ungual cartilage formed an axial projection that extended towards the midline to overlie the bars, and dorsally along the semilunar line of the distal phalanx. Ungual cartilage of forefeet was significantly larger than that of hind feet. The digital cushion was composed of fat and elastic tissues in feet with thin UC, or fibrous and fibrocartilaginous tissue and elastic tissue in feet with thicker UC. Sensory nerves and an extensive network of venovenous anastomoses were found in the UC.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ungual cartilage and the digital cushion provide the basis for a hemodynamic flow hypothesis of energy dissipation. Maximum energy dissipation depends on proper hoof preparation and shoeing.

Can receptors be imaged with MRI agents?

A review of the feasibility of imaging receptors was made using published literature. The results suggest that there is no physical limitation to imaging the classical biochemical receptors using currently available compounds. Limitations occur because of biological constraints. These constraints are those of delivery of contrast material to the site of the receptor in sufficient quantities and the biological implications of saturating receptors. These limitations are reduced by improving the physics through increasing the relaxivity of the contrast agent either by greater intrinsic relaxivity or by attaching many relaxing agents to the ligand. Biochemical constraints are reduced by targeting receptors involved with transport systems such as receptor mediated endocytosis and by targeting those sites that are in or readily accessible to the vascular system. Once targeted MRI agents are developed their clinical use will, most probably, be different than that of the corresponding radiopharmaceuticals.

Delineation of the border zone of ischemic rabbit myocardium by a technetium-labeled nitroimidazole

Delineation of viable ischemic myocardium is an important problem in nuclear cardiology. To determine the feasibility of using a technetium-labeled nitroimidazole as an indicator of ischemic myocardium at risk of infarction, we characterized the distribution of a 2-nitroimidazole-derivatized PnAO ligand and its 99mTc complex, 99mTcO(PnAO)-1-CH2-(2NI) (BMS-181321) in the ischemic territory of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery of the rabbit. In preliminary experiments, the performance of 14C-deoxyglucose (14C-2DG) and 14C-misonidazole was assessed relative to apparent regional relative myocardial blood flow (rMBF) indicated by 99mTc-teboroxime using double-label autoradiography in the rabbit LAD occlusion model. After demonstrating that 14C-2DG and 14C-misonidazole are selectively retained in the lateral border of the ischemic territory, BMS-181321 was co-injected intravenously, with either 14C-2DG or 14C-misonidazole, 20 min after LAD occlusion. In a separate experiment, 99mTcO(PnAO)-6-CH3, a complex with the same lipophilicity (log k' 0.26 vs. 0.31) as BMS-181321 but which lacks the 2NI moiety, was co-injected with 14C-2DG. After 30 min, the rabbits were sacrificed and 14C/99mTc autoradiograms were obtained from the same tissue sections. The autoradiograms revealed that BMS-181321 was retained with the same microregional distribution as both 14C-2DG and 14C-misonidazole in the border zone of the ischemic LAD territory. The selective retention of BMS-181321 depends on the presence of the nitroimidazole group, since 99mTcO(PnAO)-6-CH3 has a uniformly low myocardial distribution in contrast to the enhanced uptake of co-injected 14C-2DG. These data demonstrate that BMS-181321 is selectively retained in hypoxic myocardium and demarcates the ischemic border zone in a manner similar to 14C-2DG and 14C-misonidazole.

Effect of graded hypoxia on retention of technetium-99m-nitroheterocycle in perfused rat heart

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of graded hypoxia on the retention of a 99mTc-labeled nitroimidazole.

METHODS

Rat hearts were perfused retrogradely with Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 degrees C and paced at 5 Hz. After a 20-min stabilization period, coronary flow was maintained at 8 ml/min/g wet wt and the hearts were perfused with media equilibrated with gas mixtures containing 5% CO2 and various levels of O2, from 544 to 29 Torr. Technetium-99m-O(PnAO-1-(2-nitroimidazole)), BMS-181321, was infused for 20 min into a side port of the aortic cannula. Perfusion continued for an additional 40 min to allow for compound clearance.

RESULTS

Each decrease of perfusate PO2 brought about an increase in the retention of BMS-181321, resulting in a good correlation between its retention and perfusate PO2 (r = 0.97). Myocardial oxygen consumption was independent of oxygen delivery when the perfusate oxygen pressure was greater than 350 Torr. Below this value, oxygen consumption declined markedly as influent PO2 was decreased. By contrast, the tissue lactate/pyruvate ratio and lactate efflux rose with each decrease of influent PO2. A good correlation was obtained between retention of the nitroheterocycle and the cytosolic lactate/pyruvate ratio (r = 0.98). When glucose was omitted from the perfusate (PO2 = 27 Torr), retention of the nitroheterocycle was increased by about 25% as compared to hearts perfused in the presence of this substrate.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that myocardial retention of BMS-181321 is coupled to the level of tissue oxygenation and that hypoxic retention may be affected by substrate input.

The synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a 99mtechnetium-nitroimidazole complex based on a bis(amine-phenol) ligand: comparison to BMS-181321

We have developed a 99mTechnetium complex for imaging of hypoxic tissue (BMS-181321). Recently, another nitroimidazole derivative, based upon a bis(amine-phenol) ligand, was described in the patent literature. To compare this compound to BMS-181321, we have synthesized the ligand, prepared its 99mTc complex, and evaluated its performance in two in vitro assays of bioefficacy: membrane permeability and uptake in normoxic and anoxic cardiocytes. In attempting to reproduce the synthesis of the ligand described in the patent application, we found that one intermediate could not be made by the method described, and alternative routes were investigated. Complexation of the bis(amine-phenol) nitroimidazole with 99mTc gave an apparent single complex; this appeared as a broad peak on HPLC analysis. Purification by a solid-phase method gave a complex with 95% radiochemical purity. This complex was not permeable to cultured bovine brain endothelial cells nor did it show preferential uptake in anoxic myocytes.

TcO(PnA.O-1-(2-nitroimidazole)) [BMS-181321], a new technetium-containing nitroimidazole complex for imaging hypoxia: synthesis, characterization, and xanthine oxidase-catalyzed reduction

A technetium(V)oxo nitroimidazole complex that shows promise for imaging regional hypoxia in vivo, [BMS-181321, TcO(PnAO-1-(2-nitroimidazole))] (1) was prepared from 3,3,9,9-tetramethyl-1-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4,8-diazaundecane -2,10-dione dioxime, a 2-nitroimidazole-containing derivative of propyleneamine oxime (PnAO). The 99Tc complex [99Tc]Oxo[[3,3,9,9-tetramethyl-1-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4,8- diazaundecane-2,10-dione dioximato]-(3-)-N,N',N'',N''']technetium (V) was synthesized both from pertechnetate and [TcO(Eg)2]- (Eg = ethylene glycol). A new synthetic route to TcO(PnAO) (2) is also described. 99TcO(PnAO-1-(2-nitroimidazole)) was characterized by 1H NMR, IR, and UV/vis spectroscopy, HPLC, FAB mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Electrochemistry of 1 reveals that the nitro redox chemistry found in the ligand is maintained upon coordination to technetium but shifts to a slightly more positive potential. Using chiral HPLC (Chiracel OD), 99mTc (1) was resolved into its two enantiomers. However, the two isomers were found to racemize quickly (t1/2 < 2 min) in the presence of water. Localization of 1 is believed to be mediated by enzymatically catalyzed reduction of the nitroimidazole group, so the in vitro reaction of 99Tc(1) with the nitroreductase enzyme xanthine oxidase (XOD) was studied. XOD catalyzed the quantitative reduction of the nitroimidazole group on the molecule under anaerobic conditions in the presence of hypoxanthine. No reaction was noted using a non-nitro-containing complex (2). The rate of reduction of the Tc-nitroimidazole complex (1.5 +/- 0.16 nmol/min per unit XOD) was faster than that observed previously for the nitroimidazole BATOs (BATO = boronic acid adduct of technetium dioxime) and was about two-thirds that of fluoromisonidazole, a compound that has proven useful for imaging hypoxia in humans when labeled with 18F. These data suggest that BMS-181321 (1) has the potential to be recognized by nitroreductase enzymes in vivo, thus satisfying one of the criteria required for this potential hypoxia imaging agent.

Sensory receptors in the equine foot

Two types of sensory receptors were located in the equine foot, using anatomic techniques. Histologic examination of stained hoof sections revealed lamellated corpuscles in the hoof dermis, which had many of the morphologic characteristics of Pacinian corpuscles. These sensory receptors were restricted to the palmar (caudal) aspects of the solar dermis of the heel. A second type of receptor was detected by use of immunocytochemistry, indicating apparently naked nerve endings containing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity in skin, solar dermal tubules, and the digital cushion. This peptide is an example of a sensory neurotransmitter contained in dorsal root ganglion cells and is believed to exist only in unmyelinated sensory nerve fibers. These 2 morphologic structures may be used for detection of sensory stimuli, such as pressure (or vibratory senses) and pain, respectively, in horses during various locomotory gaits.

Imaging ischemic tissue at risk of infarction during stroke

Autoradiograms obtained after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats show that the 99mTc complex of a 2-nitroimidazole-derivatized propylene amine oxime (BMS-181321) is selectively retained in acutely ischemic brain before disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but not in the ischemic infarct. BMS-181321 is therefore a marker of ischemic tissue at risk of infarction and its uptake, unlike that of x-ray and magnetic resonance contrast agents, does not require disruption of the BBB. In keeping with this conclusion, we have found that the single-pass cerebral extraction fraction of BMS-181321 is 0.67 at normal rat whole-brain blood flow. Sequential single-photon emission computed tomographic images obtained from cats after MCAO show that the initial distribution of BMS-181321 approximates regional CBF and that selective retention subsequently produces a positive image within the ischemic territory. BMS-181321 is the first Tc complex able to indicate not only ischemia, but also ischemic tissue at risk of infarction. Use of this novel Tc complex to monitor biochemical events during ischemia may contribute to the clinical management of acute stroke.

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of nitroimidazole--BATO complexes: new technetium compounds designed for imaging hypoxic tissue

Several technetium-99 BATO (boronic acid adduct of technetium dioximes) complexes TcX(dioxime)3BR (X = Cl) that contain a boron cap R which bears a 2- or 4-nitroimidazole moiety have been prepared from either TcCl(dioxime)3 or from Tc(dioxime)3(mu-OH)SnCl3 [dioxime = dimethyl glyoxime (DMG) or cyclohexanedione dioxime (CDO)]. Two hydroxy analogs (X = OH) were isolated by treatment of the corresponding chloro complexes with aqueous NaOH. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR, UV/vis spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. These complexes have the potential for selective retention in hypoxic tissue, by a mechanism believed to be the result of nitro reduction. The electrochemistry and enzymatic reduction of these complexes was studied to assess the potential for reduction in vivo. The nitroreductase enzyme xanthine oxidase was shown to reduce the nitroimidazole group on the complexes 99TcOH(DMG)3BBNO2 and 99TcOH(DMG)3BprenNO2 under anaerobic conditions in the presence of hypoxanthine. However, the results indicated that the rate of reduction might be slow in vivo, limiting the suitability of these compounds for imaging of regions of hypoxia.

Measurement of myocardial blood flow using a co-injection technique for technetium-99m-teboroxime, technetium-96-sestamibi and thallium-201

We have compared apparent myocardial blood flow (MBFapparent) indicated by 99mTc-teboroxime, 96Tc-sestamibi and 201TI to true MBF indicated by radiolabeled microscopheres using a technique for the co-injection of four radionuclides in the same animal. Studies were performed using rats in a single-pass model to obtain global MBF and using dogs in a multiple-pass model to determine regional MBF. To provide a wide range of MBF, adenosine was administered intravenously and the left anterior descending coronary artery was then ligated in the dogs, or hypercapnia was induced by decreasing respiratory frequency in the rats. The microsphere formula for determining MBF was applied to all agents. When MBFapparent was plotted as a function of true MBF, the ability of each agent to measure changes in true MBF was demonstrated by the proximity of the plotted function to the line of identity. For both the single and multiple-pass studies, statistical analysis of the nonlinear relationship between MBFapparent and true MBF showed that 201TI and 99mTc-teboroxime approximate true MBF better than 96Tc-sestamibi (p less than 0.001) under the conditions used in the present studies. In the single-pass studies, 99mTc-teboroxime approximated true MBF better than 201Tl (p less than 0.05), but in the multiple-pass experiments, 201Tl approximated true MBF better than 99mTc-teboroxime in only one dog (p less than 0.01) with no difference in the other two. Determination of the permeability-surface area product, PS, for each agent shows that the higher fidelity to true MBF obtained with 201Tl and 99mTc-teboroxime is related to substantially greater PS values for these agents relative to 96Tc-sestamibi.

Technetium labeling of monoclonal antibodies with functionalized BATOs: 2. TcCl(DMG)3CPITC labeling of B72.3 and NP-4 whole antibodies and NP-4 F(ab')2

BATO (boronic acid adduct of technetium dioximes) complexes, TcCl(dioxime)3BR, were prepared in which the boron substituent (R) was the protein-reactive 2-carboxy-4-phenyl isothiocyanate (CPITC). The 99Tc complexes, where the dioxime was either dimethylglyoxime (DMG) or cyclohexanedione dioxime (CDO), were prepared and characterized. The 99mTc complex TcCl(DMG)3CPITC was prepared from a freeze-dried kit and used to label B72.3 (anti-TAG.72) and NP-4 (anti-CEA) whole antibodies, and the NP-4 F(ab')2 fragment. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis indicated that the labeling reagent was strongly bound to antibody. The labeled antibodies displayed high binding to affinity columns and good tumor uptake in GW39 tumor-bearing mice.

Technetium labeling of monoclonal antibodies with functionalized BATOs. 1. TcCl(DMG)3PITC

BATO (boronic acid adduct of technetium dioximes) complexes, TcCl(dioxime)3BR, were prepared in which the boron substituent (R) was the protein-reactive m-phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC). The 99TcCl(dioxime)3PITC complexes [dioxime = dimethylglyoxime (DMG) or cyclohexanedione dioxime (CDO)] were prepared from 99Tc(dioxime)3(mu-OH)SnCl3 and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of 99TcCl(DMG)3PITC was determined. The 99mTc complexes were prepared from 99mTcO4- in a process using a freeze-dried kit, either in a one-step procedure or via 99mTcCl(dioxime)3. Initial labeling studies with 99mTcCl(dioxime)3PITC were performed on glycine and polylysine and, subsequently, on mouse IgG and the B72.3 monoclonal antibody. Covalent attachment of 99mTcCl(DMG)3PITC to B72.3 was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. B72.3 labeled with 99mTcCl(DMG)3PITC displayed high binding to a TAG 72 affinity column and had a distribution in normal mice similar to that reported for iodine-labeled B72.3.

Chloro----hydroxy substitution on technetium BATO [TcCl(dioxime)3 BR] complexes

The neutral, seven coordinate complexes of technetium known as the BATO (Boronic acid Adducts of Technetium diOximes) complexes have shown their utility as myocardial and cerebral perfusion agents. The axial chloride ligand of the BATO complexes [99mTcCl(dioxime)3 BR] is labile to substitution by a competitive anion; under physiological conditions, the axial chloride ligand can be replaced by a hydroxy group. The chloro and hydroxy analogs have different biodistributions and single-pass cerebral extraction efficiencies. The influence of structure on the rate of the in vitro chloro/hydroxy exchange process has been studied. The mechanism of axial ligand exchange was found to be SN1-CB, which proceeds by way of a transient, neutral six coordinate complex. Evidence is presented which indicates that chloro/hydroxy exchange is not the mechanism by which BATO complexes are retained in the brain.