Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

To assess the value of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection as a model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in man, we studied the impairment of certain immunological functions following natural or experimental FIV infection. Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats after naturally or experimentally acquired FIV infection, induced by activation with the mitogens concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, or lipopolysaccharide or by stimulation with human interleukin-2 (IL-2), were significantly lower than the proliferative responses found with PBMC from noninfected control cats. Also IL-2 production levels of mitogen-activated PBMC from naturally infected symptomatic cats were significantly reduced. These data confirm that the pathogenesis of FIV infection in the cat, like HIV infection in man, is characterized by a serious malfunction of the immune system.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Various approaches have been considered for generation of effective and safe vaccines against retroviruses, including HIV, with limited success. In the present vaccination study, encompassing 137 household cats, we have composed an experimental ISCOM subunit vaccine containing gp70 of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)--the external glycosylated envelope protein, and the transmembrane protein p15E, with a commercial available inactivated FeLV vaccine (Leukocell). The two vaccines were estimated to contain approximately the same amount of gp70 antigen and the cats were immunized three times according to the recommendations of the commercial vaccine. A control preparation not containing gp70 or p15E was also included. During the observation period of 200 days all cats remained healthy and no virus was isolated during the isolation attempts. The serological responses were measured in ELISA, membrane immunofluorescence (MIF) and virus neutralization (VN) tests. In contrast to the cats in the other groups almost all ISCOM-vaccinated cats responded by seroconversion or increased titres in the three tests. The development of specific antibodies to gp70 and p15E were confirmed in Western blot. These results clearly illustrate the potential of the ISCOM structure for the development of safe and effective vaccines against retroviruses.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Twenty patients, ASA grades 1 and 2, aged 18-65 years were admitted to an open study to investigate the ease of tracheal intubation after induction of anaesthesia with propofol without the use of muscle relaxants after the chance observation that propofol 2.5 mg/kg allowed easy laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Satisfactory intubation conditions were achieved in 19 patients.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In 12 premedicated patients, spinal anaesthesia was established with 0.5% bupivacaine. General anaesthesia was then induced using 2.5 mg/kg propofol given over 20s, and maintained by the administration of repeated bolus doses of 1 mg/kg propofol given 3 min after induction and at intervals of 6 min thereafter. Anaesthesia was successfully induced and maintained by this technique and recovery from anaesthesia in most patients was rapid. Blood samples were collected 2 and 6 min after each dose and at recovery in order to determine the concentrations of propofol. Pharmacokinetic data were fully evaluated in 5 patients whose dosing and sampling regimen did not differ from the methods described above. Propofol blood concentrations declined rapidly between the 2 and 6 min samples, indicating rapid distribution of propofol from blood into tissues. In 3 of the 5 patients slight accumulation of propofol occurred although there was no consistent trend. There was a wide inter-individual variability in propofol concentrations on waking.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Good quality anaesthesia with smooth recovery can be induced by methohexitone 40 mg, ketamine 100 mg, diazepam 5 mg and alcuronium 15-20 mg and maintained with methohexitone 30 mg and ketamine 10 mg at 5-minute intervals and controlled ventilation with 30% oxygen in air. The technique is economical in running and capital costs and may have special implications for avoiding atmospheric pollution, for use in developing countries, and in emergency situations.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A device is described which automatically and continuously indicates the zero point on a saline manometer used to measure central venous pressure. It can be made from materials readily available in any operating theatre, intensive care unit or ward.

Asunto(s)