Avian Influenza H5N1 in Tigers and Leopards

Influenza virus is not known to affect wild felids. We demonstrate that avian influenza A (H5N1) virus caused severe pneumonia in tigers and leopards that fed on infected poultry carcasses. This finding extends the host range of influenza virus and has implications for influenza virus epidemiology and wildlife conservation

Modulation of Carcinogen Metabolism by Benzyl Isothiocyanate.

Precision-cut rat liver slices were incubated with various concentrations of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) (0-25 uM) for 24 hours. BITC decreased the dealkylation of ethoxy-(EROD) and methoxyresorufin (MROD) but increased CYP1A1/2 apoprotein levels; in vitro studies confirmed that it is mechanism-based inhibitor. BITC decreased both dealkylation of pentoxyresorufin (PROD) and CYP2B1 apoprotein levels but there was no effect on 7-benzyloxyquinoline (7-BQ) metabolism and CYP3A apoprotein levels. In the case of Phase II enzyme systems, BITC increased epoxide hydrolase and GST activity and a similar rises was observed in protein levels, no change was observed in NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1). In in vivo studies, rats were fed diets supplemented with BITC, equivalent to doses of 0-50 mg/kg for 2 weeks. BITC increased EROD, MROD, PROD and 7-BQ metabolism and CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B1, and 3A apoprotein levels in the liver but not in the lung. When Phase II enzymes were modulated, BITC increased activities and protein levels of epoxide hydrolase only in the liver, whereas GST in both the liver and the lung were elevated. NQO1 was not modulated. Treatment with BITC failed to influence the metabolism of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f quinoline (IQ) as exemplified by the excretion of mutagens in the urine. The effect of BITC on the detoxification pathways of IQ was monitored using LC/MS. Treatment with BITC or phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in the diet for 2 weeks increased IQ 5-O-glucuronide and IQ 5-O-sulphate excretion. Treatment with high doses of BITC and PEITC 24 hours prior to IQ administration, also increased IQ 5-0-glucuronide and IQ 5-O-sulphate excretion. This effect was not observed when using sulforaphane or erucin

Modulation of carcinogen metabolism by benzyl isothiocyanate

Precision-cut rat liver slices were incubated with various concentrations of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) (0-25 μM) for 24 hours. BITC decreased the dealkylation of ethoxy-(EROD) and methoxyresomfin (MROD) but increased CYP1A1/2 apoprotein levels; in vitro studies confirmed that it is mechanism-based inhibitor. BITC decreased both dealkylation of pentoxyresorufin (PROD) and CYP2B1 apoprotein levels but there was no effect on 7-benzyloxyquinoline (7-BQ) metabolism and CYP3A apoprotein levels. In the case of Phase II enzyme systems, BITC increased epoxide hydrolase and GST activity and a similar rises was observed in protein levels, no change was observed in NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1).EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo