Recommended guidelines for submission, trimming, margin evaluation, and reporting of tumor biopsy specimens in veterinary surgical pathology.

Neoplastic diseases are typically diagnosed by biopsy and histopathological evaluation. The pathology report is key in determining prognosis, therapeutic decisions, and overall case management and therefore requires diagnostic accuracy, completeness, and clarity. Successful management relies on collaboration between clinical veterinarians, oncologists, and pathologists. To date there has been no standardized approach or guideline for the submission, trimming, margin evaluation, or reporting of neoplastic biopsy specimens in veterinary medicine. To address this issue, a committee consisting of veterinary pathologists and oncologists was established under the auspices of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Oncology Committee. These consensus guidelines were subsequently reviewed and endorsed by a large international group of veterinary pathologists. These recommended guidelines are not mandated but rather exist to help clinicians and veterinary pathologists optimally handle neoplastic biopsy samples. Many of these guidelines represent the collective experience of the committee members and consensus group when assessing neoplastic lesions from veterinary patients but have not met the rigors of definitive scientific study and investigation. These questions of technique, analysis, and evaluation should be put through formal scrutiny in rigorous clinical studies in the near future so that more definitive guidelines can be derived.

Inactivation of the p16 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in high-grade canine non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma.

The significance of p16/Rb tumor suppressor pathway inactivation in T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) remains incompletely understood. We used naturally occurring canine NHL to test the hypothesis that p16 inactivation has specific pathologic correlates. Forty-eight samples (22 T-cell NHL and 26 B-cell NHL) were included. As applicable, metaphase- or array-based comparative genomic hybridization, Southern blotting, promoter methylation, and Rb phosphorylation were used to determine the presence, expression, and activity of p16. Fisher's exact test was used to test for significance. Deletion of p16 (or loss of dog chromosome 11) was restricted to high-grade T-cell NHL (lymphoblastic T-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified). These were characterized by a concomitant increase of tumor cells with Rb phosphorylation at canonical CDK4 sites. Rb phosphorylation also was seen in high-grade B-cell NHL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt-type lymphoma), but in those cases, it appeared to be associated with c-Myc overexpression. The data show that p16 deletion or inactivation occurs almost exclusively in high-grade T-cell NHL; however, alternative pathways can generate functional phenotypes of Rb deficiency in low-grade T-cell NHL and in high-grade B-cell NHL. Both morphologic classification according to World Health Organization criteria and assessment of Rb phosphorylation are prognostically valuable parameters for canine NHL.

CD20 expression in normal canine B cells and in canine non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

We examined the expression of CD20 in normal canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, normal canine spleen, and canine non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to determine the feasibility of using this antigen as a diagnostic aid and as a possible target for therapy. An antibody generated against a C-terminal (intracytoplasmic) epitope of human CD20 recognized proteins of 32-36 kd in normal and malignant canine lymphocytes. This antibody showed restricted membrane binding in a subset of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, in the B-cell regions from a normal canine spleen and lymph node, and in malignant cells from 19 dogs with B-cell NHL, but not from 15 dogs with T-cell NHL. The patterns of CD20 reactivity in these samples overlapped those seen using an antibody that recognizes canine CD79a. This anti-CD20 antibody is therefore suitable as an aid to phenotype canine NHL. In contrast, normal canine B cells were not recognized by any of 28 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of human CD20 (including the chimeric mouse-human antibody Rituximab) or by any of 12 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of mouse CD20. Thus, the use of CD20 as a therapeutic target will require the generation of specific antibodies against the extracellular domains of canine CD20.

Feline inflammatory polyps: historical, clinical, and PCR findings for feline calici virus and feline herpes virus-1 in 28 cases.

Inflammatory polyps are associated with significant aural or nasopharyngeal disease in cats. It has been proposed that chronic viral infection may induce the masses. Ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) is usually recommended for definitive therapy but removal of masses from the nasopharynx or external ear canal by traction/avulsion is also used. A retrospective study of 28 cats with inflammatory polyps was conducted to correlate recurrence with mode of therapy. Tissues from 41 polyps were assayed for feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 by RT-PCR and PCR, respectively. Of the 14 cats initially treated by traction/avulsion, recurrence was detected in five of nine cats with radiographic evidence of bulla disease but none of the cats with normal bullae. Traction/avulsion is a reasonable treatment for inflammatory polyps if the bullae are radiographically normal. Failure to detect feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 suggests that tissue persistence of these viruses is not associated with the development of inflammatory polyps.

Salivary gland neoplasia in the dog and cat: survival times and prognostic factors.

Twenty-four dogs and 30 cats with histopathologically confirmed salivary gland neoplasia were retrospectively reviewed in a multi-institutional study. The predominant presenting complaint for animals with salivary gland neoplasia was that of a mass being noted by the owner; other common complaints included halitosis, dysphagia, and exophthalmia. Siamese cats were overrepresented, indicating a possible breed predisposition. The most common histopathological type was simple adenocarcinoma. Cats had more advanced disease at diagnosis than did dogs, and clinical staging was prognostic in dogs. The median survival times for dogs and cats were 550 days and 516 days, respectively.

Effects of enalapril versus placebo as a treatment for canine idiopathic glomerulonephritis.

A blinded, multicenter, prospective clinical trial assessed the effects of enalapril (EN) versus standard care in dogs with naturally occurring, idiopathic glomerulonephritis (GN). Twenty-nine adult dogs with membranous (n = 16) and membranoproliferative (n = 13) GN were studied. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either EN (0.5 mg/kg PO q12-24h; n = 16) or placebo (n = 14) for 6 months (1 dog was treated first with the placebo and then with EN). All dogs were treated with low-dose aspirin (0.5-5 mg/kg PO q12-24h) and fed a commercial diet. At baseline, serum creatinine (SrCr), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and glomerular histologic grade were not different between groups, but the urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/C) was greater in the EN group compared with the placebo group (8.7 +/- 4.4 versus 4.7 +/- 2.3). After 6 months of treatment, the change in UP/C from baseline was significantly different between groups (EN = -4.2 +/- 1.4 versus 1.9 +/- 0.9 in the placebo group). When data were adjusted for changes in SrCr (SrCr X UP/C) a similar significant reduction was noted ( 2.2 +/- 15.2 versus 8.4 +/- 10.1). The change in SBP after 6 months of treatment also was significantly different between groups (EN = -12.8 +/- 27.3 versus 5.9 +/- 21.5 mm Hg in the placebo group). Response to treatment was categorized as improvement (assigned a value of 2), no progression (assigned a value of 1), and progression (assigned a value of 0). Response was significantly better in the EN group (1.4 +/- 0.8) compared with the placebo group (0.3 +/- 0.5). These results suggest that EN treatment is beneficial in dogs with naturally occurring idiopathic GN.

Tumour cell kinetics as predictors of response in canine lymphoma treated with chemotherapy alone or combined with whole body hyperthermia.

Kinetic parameters including potential doubling time (Tpot), duration of S phase (Ts), labelling index (LI), and DNA index (DI) were obtained from 42 dogs with previously untreated lymphoma. Standard flow cytometric techniques using BrdUrd were employed. All dogs were treated with L-asparaginase and remission was induced in 26 dogs, which were then randomized to receive chemotherapy only (doxorubicin [DOX] alone or with lonidamine) or chemotherapy plus whole body hyperthermia (WBH). Dogs were treated every 3 weeks for up to five treatments and evaluated every 3 weeks for evidence of tumour recurrence. Within this subset of animals there was no difference in outcome based on treatment group. Median values for Tpot, Ts and LI were 3.4 days, 7.23 h and 12.49%, respectively. Dogs that had tumours with LI > or = 20% had a shorter time until recurrence than dogs with tumours characterized by LI < 20%. In dogs treated only with chemotherapy, dogs bearing tumours with longer than median Tpot and Ts values and lower than median LI had significantly longer remission duration than dogs with more rapidly proliferating tumours. Dogs treated only with chemotherapy, which had longer than median Tpot and Ts values and lower than median LI, had significantly longer remission duration than all other dogs in the study. The mechanisms in which kinetics are associated with response to chemotherapy are not clear and vary depending on tumour type and treatment regimen. More work is needed to understand factors involved in cell killing during in vivo hyperthermia.

Neuromuscular function of the latissimus dorsi muscle in goats after dynamic cardiomyoplasty.

Skeletal muscle deterioration is emerging as a limitation to long-term cardiac assist by dynamic cardiomyoplasty. Chronic electrical stimulation of in situ skeletal muscle showed that ischemia, decreased muscle preload, muscle overuse, and chronic electrical stimulation are factors for muscle deterioration. Transposition around the heart has been associated with signs of muscle denervation after chronic electrical stimulation. To evaluate latissimus dorsi muscle neuromuscular function after longterm dynamic cardiomyoplasty, we performed neuromuscular functional analysis and histology on the latissimus dorsi muscle and thoracodorsal nerve of six normal goats and six goats after 6 months of dynamic cardiomyoplasty. Electromyographic analysis showed positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials in the latissimus dorsi of three goats from the dynamic cardiomyoplasty group. Conduction velocity of the thoracodorsal nerve of goats from the dynamic cardiomyoplasty group (58.32+/-9.80 m/s) was reduced compared to the goats from the control group (71.48+/-5.71 m/s, P = 0.02). Histologic changes in skeletal muscle were compatible with denervation. Loss of myelin sheaths, collapse of endoneurial connective tissue, and solitary foci of axonophagia and myelinophagia further documented severe injury to the thoracodorsal nerve in goats from the dynamic cardiomyoplasty group. The latissimus dorsi muscle wrap was denervated after long-term dynamic cardiomyoplasty. Traction on the neurovascular pedicle at each contraction of the transposed muscle may induce afferent axonal injury of the thoracodorsal nerve resulting in diminished muscular function.

Monitoring and detection of acute viral respiratory tract disease in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a system to monitor and detect acute infections of the upper respiratory tract (i.e., nares, nasopharynx, and pharynx) in horses and to assess the association among specific viral infections, risk factors, and clinical signs of disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 151 horses with clinical signs of acute infectious upper respiratory tract disease (IURD) from 56 premises in Colorado. PROCEDURE: Health management data, blood samples, and nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained for 151 horses with clinical signs of acute IURD. Of these horses, 112 had an additional blood sample obtained during convalescence and were considered to have complete sample sets. Samples were tested for evidence of respiratory tract infection by use of ELISA, virus isolation, and serologic testing of paired serum samples. RESULTS: Viral infections were identified in 65 horses with complete sample sets; influenza virus infection was identified in 43 horses, equine herpesvirus (EHV) infection in 18, and mixed influenza virus and EHV infections in 4. On 14 premises, samples were obtained from more than 1 affected horse. Viral infections were identified in horses on 11 of 14 premises. Equine herpesviruses were isolated from 10 horses. A relationship was not found between vaccination history and identification of EHV or influenza virus infections. An infection with EHV was less likely to be identified in horses with initial (acute) antibody titers > 1:16 to EHV. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Influenza virus (specifically, A/equine/2) was the most common virus associated with acute IURD. Use of multiple diagnostic tests and obtaining samples from more than 1 horse in an outbreak may improve detection of viral infections.

Salmonellosis in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis).

Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae (formerly known as Salmonella arizonae) was diagnosed in three of five captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) at the Denver Zoological Gardens. Two of the three animals died despite supportive treatment. The other two rhinoceroses remained asymptomatic and were negative for Salmonella spp. after serial fecal cultures. The source for the salmonellosis was never identified.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi).

A 4.5-yr-old female blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi) was radiographed following the appearance of lameness and swelling of the right front fetlock. Radiographic interpretation at that time was osteoarthritis caused by periosteal proliferation of the right metacarpus with periarticular osteophytes surrounding the fetlock. No treatment was initiated. Gradual abdominal enlargement over several months was interpreted as evidence of pregnancy. Six months after the initial lameness complaint, the blesbok suddenly collapsed and was unable to stand. Physical examination revealed a large firm mass occupying most of the abdomen that was found to be inoperable. Following exploratory laporotomy, the blesbok was euthanized. At necropsy, the mass weighed 17 kg. It had probably caused the animal's collapse. Histologically, the bony lesions of the right metacarpus, seen radiographically at the previous examination, were consistent with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and may have been a sequela of the intra-abdominal mass.

Hepatic lipidosis in anorectic, lactating holstein cattle: a retrospective study of serum biochemical abnormalities.

The association between hepatic lipidosis (HL) and disease in 59 anorectic, ketotic, lactating Holstein heifers and cows was investigated. Severe HL, as determined by histologic evaluation of liver tissue, was present in 46 animals; only half of these animals required intensive treatment for ketosis, and only half had serum biochemical evidence of liver disease, as determined by the presence of a last value of 2-fold or greater than the upper limit of the reference ranges for at least 2 of the 4 serum tests: gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities and bile acid concentrations. Most cattle with biochemical evidence of liver disease and severe HL had been lactating for 14 or more days. Cows that required intensive treatment inconsistently had serum biochemical evidence of liver disease. Although cattle with severe HL had significantly higher serum bilirubin concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities than cattle with less severe lipidosis, the specificity of abnormally high serum sorbitol dehydrogenase activity or bilirubin concentration for severe lipidosis was only 8%. Abnormally high serum aspartate aminotransferase activity was 83% sensitive and 62% specific for severe lipidosis. Serum glucose and total carbon dioxide concentrations were significantly lower in cattle with severe lipidosis than in those with mild or moderate lipidosis, and low serum glucose or total carbon dioxide concentrations were rare in cattle without severe lipidosis. From these data, we conclude that the use of a single biochemical or histopathologic criterion to define severity of disease or degree of liver compromise in anorectic, ketotic cows results in the misidentification of many animals.

Doxorubicin alone or in combination with asparaginase, followed by cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone for treatment of multicentric lymphoma in dogs: 121 cases (1987-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To determine response rate and remission as well as survival times for dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated first with doxorubicin alone or in combination with asparaginase and then with cyclophosphamide, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone (CVP) and to identify prevalence of toxicoses associated with this protocol and factors associated with prognosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 121 dogs. PROCEDURE: Variables evaluated for prognostic value were initial response rate to chemotherapy, age, breed, sex, body weight, histologic grade, clinical stage and substage, previous corticosteroid treatment, and serum calcium concentration. RESULTS: Median overall remission and survival times for all 121 dogs were 205 and 237 days, respectively. Response rate (complete or partial response) was 88%. Ten dogs were hospitalized because of toxicoses associated with doxorubicin, and 19 dogs were hospitalized because of toxicoses associated with CVP. Asparaginase favorably influenced the initial response rate, but did not significantly influence overall remission of survival times. Initial response rate to chemotherapy, body weight, clinical substage, and serum calcium concentration was found to have prognostic value. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For dogs with multicentric lymphoma, treatment with doxorubicin alone or in combination with asparaginase and then with CVP resulted in an acceptable response rate and low prevalence of toxicoses.

Spongiform encephalopathy in free-ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) in northcentral Colorado.

Between March 1981 and June 1995, a neurological disease characterized histologically by spongiform encephalopathy was diagnosed in 49 free-ranging cervids from northcentral Colorado (USA). Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were the primary species affected and accounted for 41 (84%) of the 49 cases, but six Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and two white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were also affected. Clinical signs included emaciation, excessive salivation, behavioral changes, ataxia, and weakness. Emaciation with total loss of subcutaneous and abdominal adipose tissue and serous atrophy of remaining fat depots were the only consistent gross findings. Spongiform encephalopathy characterized by microcavitation of gray matter, intraneuronal vacuolation and neuronal degeneration was observed microscopically in all cases. Scrapie-associated prion protein or an antigenically indistinguishable protein was demonstrated in brains from 26 affected animals, 10 using an immunohistochemical staining procedure, nine using electron microscopy, and seven using Western blot. Clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions and ancillary test findings in affected deer and elk were indistinguishable from those reported in chronic wasting disease of captive cervids. Prevalence estimates, transmissibility, host range, distribution, origins, and management implications of spongiform encephalopathy in free-ranging deer and elk remain undetermined.

Association of hepatic necrosis with trimethoprim sulfonamide administration in 4 dogs.

Hepatic necrosis in association with trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMS) combination therapy was diagnosed in 4 dogs based on history, clinical presentation, and examination of histopathologic specimens collected postmortem. Duration of TMS therapy prior to onset of clinical signs ranged from 4 to 30 days. The dose of TMS ranged from 18 mg/kg to 53 mg/kg bid. Despite supportive medical therapy, all dogs died or were euthanized due to hepatic failure. This report highlights the potential for hepatotoxicity during TMS therapy. Duration of therapy, type of TMS combination, and dose did not appear related to the development of toxicity. The low number of dogs affected suggests an idiosyncratic drug reaction.

Effects of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation versus thromboxane synthetase inhibition on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicosis in healthy male dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation versus treatment with a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (TXSI) in dogs given high-dose gentamicin. DESIGN: Clinicopathologic and renal histopathologic changes induced by gentamicin (10 mg/kg of body weight, IM, q 8 h, for 8 days) were compared in dogs fed an n-3 fatty acid-supplemented diet containing a fatty acid ratio of 5.7:1 (n-6:n-3), dogs treated with CGS 12970 (a specific TXSI given at 30 mg/kg, PO, q 8 h, beginning 2 days prior to gentamicin administration), and control dogs. The TXSI-treated and control dogs were fed a diet with a fatty acid ratio of 51.5:1 (n-6:n-3). Both diets were fed beginning 42 days prior to and during the 8-day course of gentamicin administration. ANIMALS: Eighteen 6-month-old male Beagles, 6 in each group. RESULTS: After 8 days of gentamicin administration, differences existed among groups. Compared with n-3-supplemented and control dogs. TXSI-treated dogs had higher creatinine clearance. Both TXSI-treated and n-3-supplemented dogs had higher urinary prostaglandin E2 and E3 (PGE2/3) and 6-keto prostaglandin F1a (PGF1a) excretion, compared with control dogs. Urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) excretion was higher in n-3-supplemented and control dogs, compared with TXSI-treated dogs. Urine PGE2/3-to-TXB2 and PGF(in)-to-TXB2, ratios were increased in TXSI-treated dogs, compared with n-3-supplemented and control dogs, and these ratios were increased in n-3-supplemented dogs, compared with control dogs. In addition, TXSI-treated and n-3-supplemented dogs had lower urinary protein excretion, compared with control dogs. Proximal tubular necrosis was less severe in TXSI-treated dogs, compared with control dogs. CONCLUSION: Treatment with CGS 12970 prior to and during gentamicin administration prevented increases in urinary TXB2 excretion and reduced nephrotoxicosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased renal production/excretion of thromboxane is important in the pathogenesis of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicosis.

Effects of embedded tungsten-bismuth-tin shot and steel shot on mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

We assessed the potential for embedded steel and tungsten-bismuth-tin (TBT) shot to adversely affect health of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Ducks were implanted with three number four steel (n = 19) or TBT (n = 20) shot pellets in their pectoral muscles. None of seven hematology parameters measured differed in response to treatment (P > or = 0.17). At necropsy 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk posttreatment, we observed only localized tissue reactions to embedded steel or TBT shot. Reactions differed grossly: after wk 1, embedded steel shot were enveloped in 0.5 to 2 mm grayish capsules, whereas TBT shot were surrounded by thinner (< 0.5 mm), translucent capsules. Corrosion of steel shot was apparent. Microscopic lesions associated with steel shot were characterized by moderate to severe histiocytic and lymphocytic inflammation and considerable particle deposition, whereas histiocytic inflammation was mild and particle deposition minimal in TBT lesions. Overall scores of inflammation at steel shot implant sites were greater (P < or = 0.043) than at TBT sites during wk 1 and 8. Inflammation at steel implant sites was relatively consistent over the 8-wk period, but decreased (P = 0.0017) at TBT sites by wk 8. Weights of steel shot recovered from muscle tissue declined logarithmically (R2 = 0.978, P = 0.0014) over 8 wk, but TBT shot weights remained unchanged (P = 0.255). Embedded TBT shot, as compared to steel, resisted corrosion and induced comparatively mild inflammatory responses in mallard muscle tissue. However, inflammatory reactions to both embedded steel and TBT shot were localized and had no detectable systemic effects on mallard health under experimental conditions.

Abnormalities in oxygenation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in colonic blood of horses with experimentally induced strangulation obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To measure arterial and venous blood gas, coagulation, and fibrinolysis variables in blood from isolated segments of control and ischemic large colons for the purpose of identifying variables for rapid, indirect assessment of colonic mucosal injury. DESIGN: Variables were determined at specific intervals during the 4-hour study (3 hours of ischemia and 1 hour of reperfusion). ANIMALS: Seven clinically normal horses between 2 and 15 years old. PROCEDURES: Horses underwent laparotomy and occlusion of the lumen and vasculature of the mid-portion of the pelvic flexure of the large colon. During ischemia of 1 randomly-chosen colonic segment, variables were measured to determine colonic mucosal damage and were compared with histologic scores of colonic biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Significant (P < 0.05) differences from control values were observed over time for venous pH, PCO2, PO2, oxygen saturation, oxygen content, arteriovenous oxygen difference, and lactate and glucose concentrations. Mean histologic scores of biopsy specimens obtained from ischemic colons were significantly (P < 0.05) greater (indicating greater damage) than those from control colons, and increased significantly (P < 0.05) with duration of ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Venous lactate, oxygen saturation, and PO2 values were the most significant predictors of the severity of histologic damage within the ischemic colons (R2 = 0.661). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Venous blood gas and lactate values in the large colon are good predictors of the amount of intestinal damage incurred during 3 hours of ischemia, and may be clinically useful for the rapid determination of colonic viability.

Prospective characterization of the clinicopathologic and immunologic features of an immunodeficiency syndrome affecting juvenile llamas.

The clinicopathologic and immunologic features of 15 llamas affected with juvenile llama immunodeficiency syndrome (JLIDS) are described. Healthy adult (n = 10) and juvenile (n = 10) llamas served as controls. JLIDS llamas were characterized by wasting, and clinically apparent, repeated infections were frequently observed. The median age at which a health problem was first perceived was 11.6 months. All 15 affected llamas died or were killed, and JLIDS was confirmed at necropsy. The median duration of illness was 3.5 months. Lymphocyte blastogenesis assays showed suppressed responses (particularly to Staphylococcus sp. Protein A) in JLIDS llamas. No evidence of retroviral infection was detected. Mild, normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia, low serum albumin concentration and low to low-normal globulin concentrations were typically found on initial clinical evaluation. Lymph node biopsies showed areas of paracortical depletion. All llamas affected with JLIDS had low serum IgG concentrations, pre-vaccination titers against Clostridium perfringens C and D toxoids of < or = 1:100, and no titer increase following vaccination.

The role of interleukin-12 in acquired immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

The early phase of acquired cellular immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is mediated by the emergence of protective CD4 T lymphocytes that secrete cytokines including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a molecule which is pivotal in the expression of resistance to tuberculosis. Recent evidence demonstrates that infection with M. tuberculosis induces peripheral blood mononuclear cells to release the cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12), a molecule that promotes the emergence of T-helper type-1 (Th1), IFN-gamma-producing T cells. We demonstrate here that IL-12 mRNA expression was induced by M. tuberculosis infection both in vivo and in vitro and that exogenous administration of IL-12 to mice transiently resulted in increased resistance to the infection. IL-12 also increased the production of IFN-gamma by both splenocytes derived from infected animals treated in vivo and by antigen-stimulated CD4 cells from untreated infected animals, with maximal effects at times associated with the expansion of antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo. In the absence of a T-cell response, as seen in SCID mice or nude mice, IL-12 only slightly augmented the moderate bacteriostatic capacity of these immunocompromised mice. Neutralization of IL-12 by specific monoclonal antibodies resulted in a reduction in granuloma integrity and slowing of the capacity of the animal to control bacterial growth.