Functional analysis of CD44 variants and xCT in canine tumours.

The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 has various types of splicing variants, which contribute to its multiple distinct cellular functions. Recently, it was reported that the CD44v8-10 isoform interacts with the system Xc(-) transporter-related protein (xCT), and inhibits the accumulation of reactive oxygen species by promoting the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione in human tumour cells. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of CD44 variants and xCT in canine tumours.

Angiogenesis-related gene expression profile in clinical cases of canine cancer.

The balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic signalling is tightly regulated in normal tissues to maintain the functions of the vasculature. In contrast, the overproduction of angiogenic factors and enhanced angiogenesis are frequently observed in several types of tumours. Although there have been many reports on the correlation between tumour progression and angiogenesis in humans, little is known about tumour angiogenesis in canines.

Effects of body weight on antibody titers against canine parvovirus type 2, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus type 1 in vaccinated domestic adult dogs.

The objective of this study was to determine whether post-vaccination antibody titers vary according to body weight in adult dogs. Antibody titers against canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) were measured for 978 domestic adult dogs from 2 to 6 y of age. The dogs had been vaccinated approximately 12 mo earlier with a commercial combination vaccine.

Booster effect of canine distemper, canine parvovirus infection and infectious canine hepatitis combination vaccine in domesticated adult dogs.

Domesticated adult dogs with antibody titer classified as below 'high' to one or more of canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) and canine adenovirus type-1 (CAdV-1) were then given an additional inoculation, and the effectiveness of this booster evaluated 2 months later. Consequently, CDV and CAdV-1 antibody titer experienced a significant increase, but the same effect was not observed in the antibody titer of CPV-2. These findings suggest that with additional inoculation, a booster effect may be expected in increasing antibody titers for CDV and CAdV-1, but it is unlikely to give an increase in CPV-2 antibody titer.

Antibody titers for canine parvovirus type-2, canine distemper virus, and canine adenovirus type-1 in adult household dogs.

Serum antibody titers for canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus type-1 (CAV-1) were investigated in 1031 healthy adult household dogs (2 to 18 years old) given an annual inoculation in the previous 11 to 13 months. The number of dogs retaining significant titers of antibodies against CPV-2, CDV, and CAV-1 were 888 (86%), 744 (72%), and 732 (71%), respectively. There were no differences between males and females in antibody titers against the 3 viruses.

[Paravertebral block for labor analgesia in a parturient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia].

A parturient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia received labor analgesia with bilateral paravertebral blocks, because epidural analgesia was contraindicated due to her low platelet count (69,000.microliter-1) even after intravenous administration of freeze-dried sulfonated human normal globulin (400 mg.kg-1.