Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in the cat as a model for HIV infection in man: FIV-induced impairment of immune function.

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.

Serological responses in cats vaccinated with FeLV ISCOM and an inactivated FeLV vaccine.

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.

Intubation under induction doses of propofol.

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.

An investigation of the pharmacokinetic profile of propofol ('Diprivan') after administration for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia by repeat bolus doses in patients having spinal anaesthetic block.

In 12 premedicated patients, spinal anaesthesia was established with 0.5% bupivacaine. General anaesthesia was then induced using 2.

Total intravenous anaesthesia by an intermittent technique. Use of methohexitone, ketamine and a muscle relaxant.

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.

Central venous pressure measurement. A device for continuously indicating zero.

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.