Evaluation of assays for quantification of DNA in canine plasma as an indirect marker of NETosis.

Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET), consisting of a filamentous DNA/chromatin-histone scaffold originating from neutrophils are part of the innate immune response, may be released under a variety of inflammatory conditions and are associated with an increased risk for thrombosis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a SYTOX green fluorescence assay and a histone-DNA complex (hisDNA) ELISA for quantification of NET-related DNA in canine plasma.

Methods: The influence of variations in blood sample handling on assay results was tested.

The role of nicotinic inhibition in ketamine-induced behavior.

Unlabelled: Several anesthetic drugs are nicotinic antagonists at or below levels used for anesthesia, including ketamine and volatile anesthetics. In contrast, propofol does not inhibit nicotinic receptors. To determine the potential behavioral ramifications of nicotinic inhibition by ketamine, we determined the doses of ketamine required to induce immobility, impair the righting reflex, and cause analgesia in the absence and presence of several nicotinic ligands.