Comparative analysis of 18S rRNA genes from Myxobolus aeglefini Auerbach, 1906 isolated from cod (Gadus morhua), Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and dab (Limanda limanda), using PCR-RFLP

The myxosporean parasite Myxobolus aeglefini is a marine species, which can be found in the cartilage of mainly gadid fish species. The parasite has, however, been recorded in the flatfish plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and dab (Limanda limanda). It is not clear if isolates from unrelated hosts represent the same species. Therefore a molecular study was conducted to reveal differences at the DNA level between these isolates. PCR was successfully conducted on three different isolates of Myxobolus aeglefini sampled from cod (Gadus morhua), plaice and dab respectively, using 18S rDNA as template. A PCR product of approx. 1600 base pairs was obtained and RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymerase) was conducted on the fragment with the restriction enzymes Hinf I, Msp I and Hae III. No differences between the isolates were found, suggesting that the three isolates represent the same species

The influence of liver dysfunction on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics -A comparison between 70 per cent hepatectomy and complete bile duct ligation in dogs-

The influence of experimentally induced hepatic dysfunction on the pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine A (CsA) was determined in dogs. The pharmacokinetics of oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) CsA were studied before and after 70 per cent hepatectomy or complete bile duct ligation (CBDL). Changes in liver function were monitored by serial measurements of serum bilirubin, and by the maximum removal rate (Rmax) and plasma disappearance rate (ICG-K) of indocyanine green (ICG). Concentrations of CsA in whole blood were measured by HPLC. Seventy per cent hepatectomy caused significant liver dysfunction: the ICG-Rmax decreased by 47.7±7.1 per cent (mean±SD) and the ICG-K decreased by 61.3±9.7 per cent during the first week after hepatectomy. At the same time, the systemic clearance (CLs) of IV-CsA decreased by 43.9±8.2 per cent, the area under the concentration curve (AUC) of IV-CsA increased by 35.4±20.8 per cent and the bioavailability of CsA decreased by 26.4±14.8 per cent. CBDL also induced significant liver dysfunction: the ICG-Rmax decreased by 39.1±12.8 per cent and the ICG-K decreased by 65.6±3.6 per cent in the second week after the operation. During the same period, the AUC of PO-CsA decreased by 69.9±10.7 per cent and the bioavailability of CsA also decreased markedly by 73.9±15.6 per cent. These data indicate that hepatic impairment significantly influences the pharmacokinetics of CsA, not only by the changes in intestinal absorption, but also by those in hepatic, metabolism. Dose adjustment is therefore necessary in the presence of hepatic dysfunction in order to maintain an adequate blood concentration of CsA without causing side effects. © 1989 The Japan Surgical Society

Ultrastructual study and description of Paramyxoides nephtys gen. n., sp n. a parasite of Nephtys caeca (Fabricius, 1780) (Polychaeta : Nephtyidae)

The new paramyxean Paramyxoides nephtys gen. n., sp. n. is described based on cytological characters. The organism reproduces by endogenous budding, and sporogony is the only sequence of reproduction observed. A primary cell with narrow haplosporosomes gives rise to two or four secondary cells (sporonts), each yielding four tetracellular spores in which the cells are situated one within the other. Spores fusiform, about 10 mu m long, arranged with the long axes in parallel to a fusiform to globular body with terminal, striated projections. Nuclei are arranged in a line. Two of the spore cells (cells 4-5) have haplosporosomes. Haplosporosomes of cell 4 are spherical, measuring 80-300 nm in diameter, of cell 5 rod-like 70-100 nm wide. The host is the polychaete Nephrys caeca, and the parasite develops intracellularly in the gut epithelium in direct contact with the cytoplasm of the host cell. About 3% of studied hosts harboured the parasite. This is the first report of Paramyxea from Scandinavia