A method for perfusion of the isolated rabbit liver through the portal vein and the hepatic artery in a recirculating system.

We describe a method for the isolation and recirculating perfusion of rabbit livers. Livers were perfused simultaneously through the portal vein and the hepatic artery. Precise descriptions of the surgical preparation, perfusion apparatus and perfusion method are given.

Influence of dietary calcium:phosphorus ratio on mineral excretion and nephrocalcinosis in female rats.

The effects of dietary calcium (Ca) concentration and calcium: phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio on mineral balance and nephrocalcinosis were studied in female rats. In the first experiment there were two dietary Ca concentrations (0.25 and 0.

Internal hydrocephalus, optic nerve aplasia, and microphthalmia in CPB-WE (Wezob) and Cpb:WU (Wistar) rats.

Wistar rats of the inbred CPB-WE and the random bred Cpb:WU strains have been used in neuroanatomical studies. In both groups of rats a high incidence of hydrocephalus was observed. In the CPB-WE rats the ventricular dilatation was accompanied by optic tract lesions and microphthalmia.

The 'normalization' of germ-free rabbits with host-specific caecal microflora.

Hysterectomy-derived germ-free rabbits were given colonization-resistant caecal flora (CRF) from mice, or microflora obtained from the caecum of an antibiotic-decontaminated conventional rabbit and compared with rabbits conventionally raised with the doe. Bodyweight and the following intestinal parameters were determined for the 3 groups: colonization resistance to E. coli, relative caecal weight, villus:crypt ratio (ileum), beta-aspartylglycine (faeces), volatile fatty acids (caecum), and bile acids (faeces).

Presence of IgA-producing cells in rats and mice in relation to microbial status.

The numbers of IgA-producing cells in intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs and bronchial lymph nodes were scored in rats and mice. A statistically significant difference in the scores existed between germ-free and SPF mice and between gnotobiotic and SPF rats. In a group of SPF rats a statistically significant difference in the scores was demonstrated in relation to several bacterial and viral agents.

Tail lesions in C3H/He mice.

C3H/He mice obtained from different suppliers developed tail lesions shortly after arrival. Histologically no inclusion bodies could be shown. A serological survey of diseased mice was negative for those viruses which may cause skin lesions.

'Normalization' of germfree mice with anaerobically cultured caecal flora of 'normal' mice.

Germfree (GF) mice were inoculated with a cultured flora from 10(-1), 10(-3), 10(-5), and 10(-7) dilutions of caecal contents from a 'normal' mouse. GF mice associated with a flora of a 'normal' mouse served as controls. The following intestinal parameters were determined: Colonization resistance (CR), Relative caecal weight (RCW), villus:crypt ratio (jejunum and ileum), IgA-producing cells (jejunum and ileum), beta-aspartyl glycine (faeces), volatile and non-volatile fatty acids (caecum) and bile acids (faeces).

Association of germfree mice with intestinal microfloras obtained from "normal" mice.

A cultured microflora obtained from the caecum of a "normal" mouse was given to 4 groups of germfree mice and was supplied 1x, 2x, 3x and 4x respectively at 5-day intervals. Another group received a 10(-7) dilution of the caecal flora while a group associated with an 'SPF' flora served as control. The difference (measured by 8 parameters) between mice supplied with the cultured flora or with a 10(-7) dilution, both given once only, was small.

Lack of effect of Spironucleus (Hexamita) muris on the immune response to tetanus toxoid in the rat.

In contrast to the mouse, in rats the immune response to tetanus toxoid was not altered by infection with Spironucleus muris.

Congenital venous hypoplasia in the liver of rats.

Narrowed and rudimentary portal vein branches were observed in the livers of specified-pathogen-free rats which, at the age of 6-11 weeks, showed poor condition and reatrded growth. At autopsy abdominal venous distension and congestion suggestive of portal hypertension and collateral circulation appeared to have developed. The cause of the observations and their significance in view of the use of the rats are unknown.

An outbreak of rabbit enteritis: pathological and microbiological findings and possible therapeutic regime.

Mortality, averaging about 30% of young born throughout the year, was severest at 5-10 weeks of age, from just before weaning until about 4 weeks after, especially in large litters of 10-11 young. The organism most characteristically associated with enteritis was Escherichia coli. Preliminary experiments suggested that restriction of food decreases the death rate from enteritis among young rabbits.