The influence of seasonal changes in the determination of selenium in liver of various animals by neutron activation analysis and high-resolution spectrometry.

Selenium levels in the liver of animals living in the Umfolozi Game Reserve in Natal and in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in the Eastern Transvaal were studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The distribution of the selenium content was followed for about 16 months and attempts have been made to explain seasonal fluctuations of the selenium level.

Pulmonary hypertension in relationship to acidaemia after maximum forced exercise. A further preliminary report.

Pulmonary hypertension was shown to occur in wild young zebra and wildebeest subject to forced exercise over 2 to 5 km distance. Measurements of pulmonary arterial pressure were made on a Devices recorder connected to a catheter passed via the jugular vein. Systemic pressure was recorded after puncture of the dorsal aorta. The electrocardiogram, PO2, PCO2 and pH were determined and enzyme levels such as CPK were estimated. Reduction of the pulmonary hypertension occurred after bicarbonate infusion.

Parentrovite as a supportive therapy for locomotory stress in tsessebe.

Parentrovite was administered to tsessebe as supportive therapy against artifically induced locomotory stress. An attempt was made to judge the efficacy of this treatment from enzyme levels such as that of LDH. Other parameters such as systemic blood pressure and the ECG were also recorded. No significant differences were established between treated and untreated animals although LDH levels were considerably higher in the untreated than in the treated group. The small numbers of tsessebe available and the artifical nature of the exercise induced made an evaluation of the effectiveness of Parentrovite in the treatment of locomotory or of capture stress uncertain.

Restraint of undomesticated animals.

The capture, by means of chemical immobilization, of about 100 large African animals of 17 different species was accomplished by use of compound M.99, an oripavine with morphine-like activity, but with approximately 1,000 times the activity of morphine. Usually, the compound was used in conjunction with a tranquilizer and scopolamine. The small dose required enabled M.99 to be administered by a projectile syringe of 2-ml. capacity. The effect of the immobilizing compound can be reversed with nalorphine or with compound M.285.