The hyaluronan-binding activity of aggrecan is important, but not essential, for its specific insertion into perineuronal nets.

Aggrecan (ACAN) is a large, secreted chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that includes three globular regions named G1, G2, G3, and is decorated with multiple glycosaminoglycan attachments between its G2 and G3 domains. The N-terminal G1 region interacts with the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), which is an essential component of the vertebrate extracellular matrix. In the central nervous system, ACAN is found in perineuronal nets (PNNs), honeycomb-like structures that are enriched on parvalbumin-positive neurons in specific neural circuits.

Oral administration of an extended-release formulation of nitrofurantoin results in high concentrations in the urine of dogs.

Objective: Sporadic bacterial cystitis in both dogs and humans is often caused by Escherichia coli. In humans, nitrofurantoin is a first-line antimicrobial for the treatment of bacterial cystitis but in dogs a lack of available data may be part of the reason it is only recommended as a second-line treatment. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics and urine concentrations of nitrofurantoin monohydrate-macrocrystalline in dogs.

Veterinary prescription errors in a community pharmacy setting: A retrospective review.

Background: Community pharmacies are poised to see more veterinary prescriptions as a result of increased pet ownership especially during the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Concern has been raised about the lack of veterinary pharmacy training that community pharmacists receive, but no studies have evaluated the actual prevalence of errors in veterinary prescriptions including the prevalence of prescription writing errors.

Objectives: This study identifies the prevalence of errors in veterinary prescriptions at independent community pharmacies.

Allergic Airway-Induced Hypersensitivity Is Attenuated by Bergapten in Murine Models of Inflammation.

Bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen, 5-MOP) is a plant-derived furocoumarin with demonstrated anti-inflammatory action. The present study investigated its effects on allergic inflammation in two related pathways of mast cell degranulation. Compound 48/80 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to activate the IgE-independent pathway while bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as allergen for the IgE-dependent pathway.

Stigmasterol Alleviates Cutaneous Allergic Responses in Rodents.

The therapeutic potential of stigmasterol, a natural steroid alcohol with established immune-modulatory properties, was assessed on allergic cutaneous responses. We examined its suppressive effect on immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated active cutaneous anaphylaxis (ACA), compound 48/80 (C48/80)-induced pruritus, and irritant dermatitis induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Stigmasterol at 10-100 mg/kg significantly inhibited ACA with reduction in reaction area and concentration of the extravasated Evans blue dye.

Stigmasterol inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced innate immune responses in murine models.

Stigmasterol is a naturally occurring steroid alcohol which occurs in vegetables, soya and a large variety of medicinal plants. Stigmasterol and other phytosterols have been documented as immunomodulators with huge therapeutic potential. We assessed the mitigating effect of stigmasterol on non-fatal and fatal innate immune responses in murine models after intraperitoneal challenge with an endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide, LPS.

The Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of Inhibits Carrageenan-Induced Pleurisy and Pedal Oedema in Murine Models of Inflammation.

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% v/v ethanol extract of the stem bark of on murine models of carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw oedema. Rat pleural fluid was analysed for volume, protein content, and leucocytes, while lung histology was assessed for damage. Lung tissue homogenates were assayed for glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).