Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1) (2002)

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1) (2002)

CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS

Foreword to Volume 50 of Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 1-3
Infectious diseases

Occurrence of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome in Hungary. T. Molnár, R. Glávits, L. Szeredi and Á. Dán 5-16

Occurrence of anthrax in Kars district, Turkey. S. Otlu, M. Şahin and O. Genç 17-20
Internal medicine

Comparison of echocardiography and gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography in the measurements of left ventricular systolic function parameters in healthy dogs. Cs. Hetyey, L. Balogh, G. Andócs, K. Vörös and Gy. A. Jánoki 21-29
Molecular genetics

Canine tumour suppressor gene p53 mutation in a case of anaplastic carcinoma of the intestine. B. Mayr and M. Reifinger 31-35
Nutrition

Influence of rapeseed meal on productivity and health of broiler chicks. Z. Janječić, D. Grbeša, S. Mužic, S. Ćurić, V. Rupić, B. Liker, Marija Đikić, B. Antunović and D. Županić 37-50
Parasitology

Differences between the European carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) and the coloured carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) in susceptibility to Thelohanellus nikolskii (Myxosporea) infection. K. Molnár 51-57

Molecular biology can differentiate morphologically indistinguishable myxosporean species: Myxobolus elegans and M. hungaricus (Short communication). Edit Eszterbauer 59-62

Dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens microfilariae in dogs from Central Italy. W. Tarello 63-78
Physiology

Effect of GnRH and its antagonist (Antarelix) on LH release from cultured bovine anterior pituitary cells. Annett Bellmann, F. Schneider, W. Kanitz, G. Nürnberg and Ute Tiemann 79-92

Zinc supplementation decreases total thyroid hormone concentration in small ruminants. T. Keçeci and E. Keskin 93-100
Reproduction

Follicular and oocyte development in gilts of different age. K.-P. Brüssow, J. Rátky, H. Torner, I. Egerszegi, F. Schneider, L. Solti and A. Tuchscherer 101-110
Residue analysis

Determination of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in the perirenal and dorsal fatty tissues of pigs. D. Bažulić, Jasenka Sapunar-Postružnik, Helena Kubala Drinčić, Mirela Grubelić and D. Oraić 111-115
Virology

Equid herpesvirus 1 is neurotropic in mice, but latency from which infectious virus can be reactivated does not occur. J. Iqbal and N. Edington 117-129

Book review 131-132

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 1–3 (2002)

FOREWORD to Volume 50 of Acta Veterinaria Hungarica

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica will have its 50th volume published in the year 2002. On that occasion, on behalf of the Editorial Board (EB) I would like to give a brief overview of the history of the journal in the first 50 years of its existence.

The first volume of AVH was published in 1951 under the name Acta Veterinaria Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae by Akadémiai Kiadó, which has remained our publisher ever since. However, since 1983 the journal has been published with a new front cover and a new name, Acta Veterinaria Hungarica (AVH). The reasons for, and the objectives, of launching the journal were stated in the first issue (Kotlán, 1951) by Sándor Kotlán, the parasitologist of international fame, who was the first president of the EB until his death (1967). From 1968, János Mócsy became editor-in-chief, and he also held that office until his death (1976). Since 1976, János Mészáros has been president of the EB, which has always consisted of outstanding Hungarian veterinary researchers. An International Advisory Board comprising internationally renowned scientists from several countries was set up in 1998, and has contributed to raising the standard of the journal ever since.

For Hungarian veterinary researchers, AVH provided the first forum to report their research results in foreign languages. Papers were initially published in German, English, Russian and French, then the English language became dominant and since 1981 it has been the exclusive language of publication. The tendency of AVH to become an international forum was reflected by the fact that only in the first two years of its existence did it publish papers exclusively from Hungarian authors, and since 1953 it has been a forum for foreign authors as well. The proportion of foreign authors gradually increased, reaching about 30% in the 1990s and even exceeding 50% in some years. It should be mentioned here that the publication opportunity offered by the journal was mainly embraced by researchers of the countries close to Hungary (Croatia, Slovakia, Poland), as well as by scientists from the developing countries. Due to the expanding international relations of Hungarian researchers, from 1961 papers co-authored by Hungarian and foreign authors appeared, and subsequently the number of such works increased gradually. These joint papers were initially written by Hungarian scientists in collaboration with foreign researchers working in Hungarian institutions for their thesis, while later on papers reporting joint research results of Hungarian and foreign research institutions were also published.

[continued]

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 5–16 (2002)

OCCURRENCE OF PORCINE DERMATITIS AND NEPHROPATHY SYNDROME IN HUNGARY

T. Molnár^1*, R. Glávits¹, L. Szeredi¹ and Á. Dán^1,2

1Central Veterinary Institute, H-1149 Budapest, Tábornok u. 2, Hungary; ²Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary

(Received October 18, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

In the past few years a characteristic, often fatal disease associated with cutaneous lesions and nephropathy has been observed in several large pig herds and household pig stocks of Hungary. In addition to general symptoms and slight fever in several cases, the disease was characterised by cutaneous lesions occurring mostly on the ventral part of the thorax and abdomen, on the extremities and ear pinnae, and in the nasal and perianal region. In the acute phase, circumscribed hyperaemic, confluent, crust-covered areas were seen. Histological examination revealed necrosis of the epithelial layer and lympho-histiocytic vasculitis in the corium, here and there accompanied by thrombosis and fibrinoid degeneration. The kidneys were pale brown and harder to tear, with cortical petechiae in most cases. By histopathological examination, intra- and extracapillary glomerulonephritis accompanied by fibrinoid exudation was seen. Some of the renal tubules were dilated, others were atrophied, and in advanced cases proliferation of the intertubular connective tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration also occurred. Necrotic vasculitis was also observed in some cases. By immunohistochemical examination IgA, IgG and IgM, and in a single case C₃ belonging to the complement system were observed in the pathologically changed skin areas and kidneys. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) was detected. Bacteriological and serological examinations did not reveal infections of aetiological importance.

Key words: Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, porcine circovirus, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, PCR, Hungary

^*Corresponding author; E-mail: molnar@indigo2.oai.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 222 6071

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 17–20 (2002)

OCCURRENCE OF ANTHRAX IN KARS DISTRICT, TURKEY

S. Otlu^*, M. Şahin and O. Genç

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Kafkas, 36040 Kars, Turkey

(Received January 3, 2002; accepted January 8, 2002)

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of anthrax by bacteriologic methods in cattle and sheep between January 2000 and September 2001 and to determine the distribution of this zoonotic disease in humans in Kars district, Turkey. Bacillus anthracis was isolated and identified in 34 out of 38 (91%) cattle and 11 out of 17 (64%) sheep samples obtained from organs suspected of anthrax. The records of the Governmental Health Branch showed that 89 cases of cutaneous anthrax were diagnosed in humans during the study periods in the same district.

Key words: Anthrax, epizootiology, epidemiology, Turkey

*Corresponding author; E-mail: salihotlu@hotmail.com; Fax: 00 90 474 242 68 53

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 21–29 (2002)

COMPARISON OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND GATED EQUILIBRIUM RADIONUCLIDE VENTRICULOGRAPHY IN THE MEASUREMENTS OF LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY DOGS

Cs. Hetyey^1*, L. Balogh², G. Andócs², K. Vörös¹ and Gy. A. Jánoki²

1Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Szent István University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, H-1078 Budapest, István u. 2, Hungary; ²National ‘Frédéric Joliot-Curie’ Research Institute for Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, Budapest, Hungary

(Received September 26, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Left ventricular systolic function was assessed in 12 healthy dogs with equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography. The results of the analysis were compared to traditional echocardiographic measurements. Left ventricular internal dimensions and volume were measured at the time of end-systole and end-diastole. Ejection fraction – one of the most informative parameters of cardiac function – was calculated in each animal. Values (e.g. EDD, ESD, EDV, ESV) measured by the scintigraphic method were significantly (Student’s t-test, p < 0.05) higher than the data obtained by echocardiography. Ejection fraction (EF) was the only parameter that did not differ significantly when comparing the two imaging techniques. The difference between the results of parallel measurements was in inverse ratio to the size of the heart.

Key words: Radionuclide ventriculography, echocardiography, dog, ejection fraction

*Corresponding author; E-mail: hcs@freemail.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 478-4137

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 31–35 (2002)

CANINE TUMOUR SUPPRESSOR GENE p53 MUTATION IN A CASE OF ANAPLASTIC CARCINOMA OF THE INTESTINE

B. Mayr^1* and M. Reifinger²

^{1Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics; ²Institute
for Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Research, Veterinary University, Veterinärplatz 1,
A-1210 Vienna, Austria

(Received July 27, 2001; accepted September 5, 2001)

Tumours localised in the large bowel of dogs were subjected to
molecular genetic studies. Highly conserved regions of the tumour suppressor gene p53,
including typical tumour hot spots (codons 175, 245, 248, 249, 273 and 282), were
analysed. A mutation CGG › TGG (arginine › tryptophan) was present in codon 249 in an
anaplastic carcinoma in the caecum.
Key words: Carcinoma, caecum, dog, intestine, mutation, p53

^{*Corresponding author; E-mail: Burkhard.Mayr@vu-wien.ac.at;
Fax: +43-1-25077-5693}}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 37–50 (2002)

INFLUENCE OF RAPESEED MEAL ON PRODUCTIVITY AND HEALTH OF BROILER CHICKS

Z. Janječić¹, D. Grbeša¹, S. Mužic¹, S. Ćurić², V. Rupić^1*, B. Liker¹, Marija Đikić¹, B. Antunović³ and D. Županić⁴

1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, Croatia; ²Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; ³Faculty of Agriculture, University of J.J. Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia; ⁴Pliva d.d., Agrarian and Veterinarian Program, Kalinovica, Croatia

(Received January 4, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Research was focussed on investigating the influence of different quantities (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of rapeseed meal (RM), 00-cultivar Silvia on production results, as well as on the morphological and pathohistological changes in the internal organs of chicks during the course of the experiment, measured on the 21st and 42nd days of the 42-day experiment. The experiment involved 120 chicks divided into four groups: a control group (C) and three experimental groups (E_1–3). It was found that chicks in Groups C, E₁ and E₂ realised significantly (P < 0.05) higher gains than those in Group E₃, both after the test period and at the end of the experiment. No significant differences with regard to feed conversion were found between groups of chicks. Throughout the experiment chicks in Groups E_1–3 were found to have a significantly (P < 0.05) heavier liver. Compared to Groups E_1–3, Group C chicks had a significantly (P < 0.05) heavier gizzard after 21 days, but following the finisher diet Group E₃ had a significantly (P < 0.05) lighter gizzard. Compared with birds in Group C, those in Groups E_2–3 had significantly heavier (P < 0.05) unevacuated intestines when fed the starter diet, and those in Groups E_1–2 showed a similar result when fed the finisher diet. Chicks in Group E₃ had a significantly lower grill weight than those in Groups C, E₁ and E₂, both in the first half of the experiment and at the end. The starter diet did not result in any differences in the quantity of abdominal fat among groups, but following the finisher diet Groups E_2–3 showed significantly less abdominal fat in comparison to Groups C and E₁ (P < 0.05). Group C showed a significantly higher carcass yield than Groups E_1–3 (P < 0.05) in the first half of the experiment and at the end. Groups E_1–3 manifested a slight to medium hypertrophy of thyroid epithelial tissue as well as slight thymus hypertrophy and slight atrophy of the cloacal bursa follicles.

Key words: Broiler chicks, rapeseed meal, production indicators, morphological and pathohistological changes of internal organs, hypothyroidism

^{*Corresponding author; E-mail: zjanjecic@agr.hr; Fax:
+385-12393932}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 51–57 (2002)

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN CARP (Cyprinus carpio carpio) AND THE COLOURED CARP (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO Thelohanellus nikolskii (MYXOSPOREA) INFECTION

K. Molnár^*

Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1581 Budapest, P.O. Box 18, Hungary

(Received November 15, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Thelohanellus nikolskii infection of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) has been a common parasitosis in the Central European fish farms since the first detection of the parasite about 20 years ago. This parasite, introduced from the Far East, causes intensive infection on the fins of fingerlings of the carp subspecies cultured in Europe (European carp, Cyprinus carpio carpio). This infection of the common carp occurs in the Hungarian fish farms every year. Until the present study, this parasite had not been recorded from the fins of koi or coloured carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus), a carp of Far Eastern origin, which is cultured in Hungary as an ornamental fish. A recent survey conducted in common carp, koi and goldfish stocks demonstrated that T. nikolskii infection of low prevalence and intensity occurs also in koi populations, but its prevalence and intensity are markedly lower than in common carp kept in the same ponds. It is suggested that the observed differences are due to disparities in the susceptibility of the two carp subspecies to T. nikolskii, and that the koi is less susceptible to this infection. Other signs of susceptibility can also be observed in the European subspecies, since in 15% of the fish plasmodium development was arrested at an early stage. Thelohanellus nikolskii infection could not be demonstrated on goldfish (Carassius auratus).

Key words: Common carp, koi, goldfish, Thelohanellus nikolskii, susceptibility

*E-mail: kalman@vmri.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 252-1069

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 59–62 (2002)

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CAN DIFFERENTIATE MORPHOLOGICALLY INDISTINGUISHABLE MYXOSPOREAN SPECIES: Myxobolus elegans AND M. hungaricus
(SHORT COMMUNICATION)

Edit Eszterbauer^*

Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1581 Budapest, P.O. Box 18, Hungary

(Received November 8, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Two, morphologically indistinguishable myxosporean species, Myxobolus elegans Kashkovsky, 1966 and M. hungaricus Jaczó, 1940 were differentiated using molecular biological methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers specific for the family Myxobolidae was used to amplify an approximately 1600 base pairs (bp) long fragment of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. In restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) study with HinfI, MspI and TaqI enzymes, the two parasite species were easily distinguishable. The genetic distinctness was also confirmed by the DNA sequence of their PCR products. Although M. elegans and M. hungaricus are morphologically very similar, based on the results of the PCR-RFLP and the DNA sequences, we concluded that they are valid species.

Key words: Myxosporeans, Myxobolus elegans, M. hungaricus, 18S rRNA gene, PCR, RFLP, Leuciscus idus, Abramis brama

^*E-mail: eedit@vmri.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 252-1069

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 63–78 (2002)

DERMATITIS ASSOCIATED WITH Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens MICROFILARIAE IN DOGS FROM CENTRAL ITALY

W. Tarello^*

C.P. 42, 06061 Castiglione del Lago, Perugia, Italy

(Received September 3, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Pruritic dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens microfilariae in the blood was diagnosed in 22 dogs from Fermo (Central Italy). According to the history, previous unsuccessful treatments with corticosteroids, antibiotics, restricted diet, flea control, levamisole and ivermectin were recorded in 17 dogs (77.3%). The combined filtration tests and antigen tests, performed during the study, were negative for Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in each case. Dermatological lesions included erythema, papules, single or multifocal alopecia, eczema, lichenification, crusting and nodules. All dogs had pruritus. Concurrent babesiosis was diagnosed in the blood smears of each case (100%), and 60% of the dogs were found to be carriers of canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE). Three dogs (13.6%) were positive for leishmaniosis. Eradication of the concurrent infections followed by specific macro- and microfilaricide treatment led to complete recovery from the dermatological syndrome. The main conclusion of the study is that D. repens infection can be more pathogenic than is currently considered, and it is apparently an opportunistic disease with serious dermatological consequences.

Key words: Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens, subcutaneous dirofilariosis, dermatitis, dog, microfilaria, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis

^{*The work was carried out in a private veterinary practice
of Fermo (Ascoli Piceno), Central Italy; Corresponding author: Walter Tarello, C.P. 42, 06061 Castiglione del Lago, Perugia,
Italy; E-mail: tarello@iol.it}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 79–92 (2002)

EFFECT OF GnRH AND ITS ANTAGONIST (ANTARELIX) ON LH RELEASE FROM CULTURED BOVINE ANTERIOR PITUITARY CELLS

Annett Bellmann¹, F. Schneider¹, W. Kanitz¹, G. Nürnberg² and Ute Tiemann^1*

1Department of Reproductive Biology and ²Department of Genetics and Biometry, Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany

(Received July 26, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

In the following investigations, the LH secretion of cells from pituitaries in heifers on days 16–18 of their oestrous cycle (n = 14) was analysed. Cells were dissociated with trypsin and collagenase and maintained in a static culture system. For the estimation of LH release, the cells were incubated with various concentrations of mammalian GnRH (Lutrelef) for 6h. To determine the action of Antarelix (GnRH antagonist), the cells were preincubated for 1 h with concentrations of 10^–5 or 10^–4M Antarelix followed by 10^–6M GnRH coincubation for a further 6h. At the end of each incubation, the medium was collected for LH analysis. Parallel, intracellular LH was qualitatively detected by immunocytochemistry. Changes in the intensity of LH staining within the cells in dependence of different GnRH concentrations were not observed, but a significant increase LH secretion in pituitary cells was measured at 10^–6M GnRH. Antarelix had no effect on basal LH secretion at concentrations of 10^–4 and 10^–5M. After coincubation of pituitary cells with Antarelix and GnRH, Antarelix blocked the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion with a maximal effect of 10^–4M, but the staining of immunoreactive intracellular LH was detected at approximately the same level compared to the pituitary cells treated with exogenous GnRH alone. These data demonstrate that Antarelix is effective in influencing the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion of pituitary cells in vitro. After administration of Antarelix in vivo, the GnRH-stimulated LH secretion of cultured pituitary cells was not inhibited.

Key words: Pituitary cells in vitro, GnRH and antagonist, LH, bovine

^{*Corresponding author: Dr. Ute Tiemann, Department of
Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Wilhelm Stahl
Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; E-mail: tiemann@fbn-dummerstorf.de; Fax: +49 38208 6
87 52}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 93–100 (2002)

ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION DECREASES TOTAL THYROID HORMONE CONCENTRATION IN SMALL RUMINANTS

T. Keçeci^* and E. Keskin

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selçuk, Campus, 42031 Selçuklu, Konya, Turkey

(Received October 17, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

The effect of dietary zinc (Zn) supplementation on plasma Zn and serum thyroid hormones was evaluated in healthy male Merino lambs and Angora goats. A total of 12 lambs and 12 goats were divided into two equal groups as control and Zn groups in separate experiments. The lambs and goats of the control groups were fed basal rations alone. The Zn contents of these rations prepared for lambs and goats were 40 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg in dry matter (DM), respectively. Both species of animals in the Zn groups were fed a basal ration supplemented with zinc sulphate adjusted to 250 mg Zn/kg diet in DM. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks in lambs and 8 weeks in goats. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at 4-week intervals. Both animal species in the Zn groups had higher plasma Zn values than the controls throughout the experimental period, except in the 4th week in goats. However, the levels of serum total thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃) were lower in the lambs and goats of the Zn groups, except in the 4th week, as compared to those in the controls. Moreover, serum total thyroid hormone levels of the goats were higher at the 4th week than at the 8th week. Although there was a decrease in the levels of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine of both small ruminant species in the Zn groups when compared to the controls, these alterations were not statistically significant. These results may show that zinc supplementation to the diet at this dose reduces total thyroid hormone levels in small ruminants but does not yet impair the euthyroid status of the organism.

Key words: Zinc, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, lamb, goat

^{*Corresponding author; E-mail: tkececi@selcuk.edu.tr; Fax:
+90 332 2410063}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 101–110 (2002)

FOLLICULAR AND OOCYTE DEVELOPMENT IN GILTS OF DIFFERENT AGE

K.-P. Brüssow^1*, J. Rátky², H. Torner¹, I. Egerszegi², F. Schneider¹, L. Solti³ and A. Tuchscherer¹

1Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, 18196 Dummerstorf, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Germany; ²Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Herceghalom, Hungary; ³Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary

(Received September 27, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

The aim of the present study was to estimate follicular and oocyte development of the same gilts in three phases of their reproductive life – prepuberal gilt (6 months old), cycling gilt (9.5 months old) and primiparous sow. Follicular development was induced by injections of 1000 IU PMSG followed by 500 IU hCG 72 h later. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were recovered from preovulatory follicles of the left ovary, and follicular fluid (FF) from the right ovary always 34 h after hCG by endoscopy. Altogether, 19 gilts were used in the prepuberal (P) and cycling (C) trials and 12 of them in the primiparous trial (S). Altogether 168, 190 and 82 follicles were aspirated from the left ovary and 106, 125 and 42 COCs recovered (recovery rate 60.5 ± 26.9, 62.7 ± 20.9 and 52.9 ± 21.8%). The average number of follicles was higher in C compared to P (19.7 ± 6.8 vs. 15.7 ± 6.8, p = 0.06) and to S (14.2 ± 4.0, p < 0.05), respectively. More uniform expanded COCs were aspirated from prepuberal and cycling gilts as compared to sows (89.7 and 78.4% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the meiotic configuration in oocytes differed (p < 0.05) between these groups (55.5 and 61.7% vs. 0% Telo1/Meta2). Concentrations of progesterone in FF decreased (p < 0.05) from 590.0 ± 333.6 (P) to 249.1 ± 72.6 (C) and 161.4 ± 75.2 ng/ml (S). FF concentrations of oestradiol-17ß were different between gilts and sows (9.3 ± 2.9, 21.9 ± 10.6 and 94.0 ± 15.9 pg/ml, p < 0.05). The progesterone/oestradiol ratio was 72.1, 15.2 and 4.7. Results indicate a different follicular and oocyte development during the investigated lifetime periods. Cycling gilts should preferably be used in IVF and breeding programs. The lower reproductive potential of primiparous sows is taken into consideration at breeding. Prediction of lifetime performance based on individual ovarian reaction of prepuberal gilts is unsuitable.

Key words: Follicle, oocyte morphology, follicular fluid, steroid hormones, swine

*Corresponding author; E-mail: bruessow@fbn-dummerstorf.de; Fax: +49-38208-68752

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 111–115 (2002)

DETERMINATION OF HEXACHLOROBENZENE (HCB) IN THE PERIRENAL AND DORSAL FATTY TISSUES OF PIGS

D. Bažulić^*, Jasenka Sapunar-Postružnik, Helena Kubala Drinčić, Mirela Grubelić and D. Oraić

Department for Residue Analysis, Croatian Veterinary Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Savska cesta 143, Croatia

(Received September 10, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the perirenal fatty tissue for the determination of an organochlorine pesticide. Fatty tissue samples were prepared by the matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) method, and pesticide levels were determined by gas chromatography on capillary column using an electron capture detector. Results were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system. The results showed that the perirenal fatty tissue contained significantly higher levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) than the dorsal fatty tissue (P < 0.01). All the levels were below the criteria for maximum residue limits established by Croatia and the EU.

Key words: Hexachlorobenzene, fatty tissue, gas chromatography

^{*Corresponding author; E-mail: Davorin_Bazulic@hotmail.com;
Fax: +385-1-612-3636}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 117–129 (2002)

EQUID HERPESVIRUS 1 IS NEUROTROPIC IN MICE, BUT LATENCY FROM WHICH INFECTIOUS VIRUS CAN BE REACTIVATED DOES NOT OCCUR

J. Iqbal^1* and N. Edington²

1Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, ²Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK

(Received July 4, 2001; accepted December 13, 2001)

Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is the most common cause of virus-induced abortion in horses. After primary infection the virus becomes latent predominantly in the respiratory tract lymph nodes and the genome can also be detected in the peripheral nervous system. The role of mouse as a feasible model for the establishment of latency and reactivation of EHV-1 was investigated. Intracerebral and intranasal infections of 3- and 17-day-old mice were made and virus replication was confirmed by virus isolation and detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in brain. For reactivation studies, the mice were killed 8 weeks post infection and tissues were collected for cocultivation. In mice from both age groups, infectious virus was not detected by cocultivation. Following attempts to reactivate virus in vivo with corticosteroids, the viral antigen was detected at low levels by IIF and the expression of the gB gene by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in brain, trigeminal ganglia, olfactory lobe, lung and spleen. Virus was also detected by IIF following incubation of tissue explants in the growth medium containing pokeweed mitogen (PWM). These results show the limitations of the mouse model for investigating EHV-1 latency and highlights the issue of ‘ineffective reactivation’ of virus.

Key words: Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), mouse, latency, reactivation

^{*Corresponding author; J. Iqbal, VBS Department, Royal
Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA; E-mail: jiqbal@rvc.ac; Fax:
+44 01707 652090}

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 50 (1), pp. 131–132 (2002)

BOOK REVIEW

Manning, E. J. B. and Collins, M. T. (editors): Mycobacterial Infections in Domestic and Wild Animals. Office International des Epizooties (World Organisation for Animal Health), 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France. Scientific and Technical Review No. 20 (1), April 2001. 352 pages. Format 21 × 29.7 cm. ISBN 92-9044-522-X. Price: € 40.

Sándor Tuboly