Schwannoma of the submandibular gland.

Neurilemmomas (schwannomas) are solitary neurogenic tumors that arise from cells of the neural sheath. They are slow growing and represent a proliferation of Schwann cells. Extracranial neurogenic tumors of the head and neck are uncommon, with benign tumors occurring with greater frequency than malignant tumors. These tumors often mimic primary or metastatic disease in the head and neck. Schwannoma of the salivary gland is a particularly rare form of an extracranial neurogenic tumor, with most presenting in the parotid gland originating from a peripheral branch of the facial nerve. An unusual case of neurilemmoma of the submandibular gland is presented, and the literature concerning this subject is reviewed. We believe this tumor originated in an autonomic nerve of the submandibular gland. The mass was discrete and well demonstrated on CT scan. Total excision of the gland resulted in complete resolution of symptoms with no cranial nerve deficits.

Suspected botulism in cattle associated with poultry litter.

Botulism was diagnosed clinically in grazing cattle on three closely sited dairy farms. The evidence suggests that the source of the toxin was poultry carcases containing types C and D Clostridium botulinum. These organism were also found in the alimentary tract of affected animals. Silage is suspected as having acted as a vehicle for the organisms and, or, toxins in cases which occurred later in housed cattle on one of the farms.

The detection of Clostridium perfringens epsilon antitoxin in rabbit serum by monoclonal antibody based competition ELISA.

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA) has been developed, standardized and compared with the toxin neutralization (TN) test performed in mice for the measurement of antibody responses in rabbits vaccinated with clostridial vaccines. In CELISA, sera were tested at a single dilution for their ability to compete with the reaction between a monoclonal antibody, which neutralizes epsilon toxin, and epsilon toxoid coated on to a solid phase. The results of the two tests correlated well. CELISA was specific, rapid, reproducible and simple to perform and offered an alternative to the TN test that reduced the requirement for experimental animals in the potency testing of clostridial vaccines.

The production and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies to Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin.

The production of five monoclonal antibodies to the epsilon prototoxin of Clostridium perfringens is described. All five monoclonal antibodies located three proteins in a trypsinized preparation of epsilon prototoxin. These proteins were located at 37.6 kDal, 35.6 kDal and 33.7 kDal by Western blots. Two of the monoclonal antibodies, M26/2 and M27/12, neutralized epsilon toxin in the mouse lethality assay. Four of the five monoclonal antibodies are considered suitable as reagents to detect epsilon toxin in assay procedures.

Immunoelectrophoresis in quality control of veterinary clostridial products.

Each year the pharmaceutical industry produces 150-250 batches of anti-Clostridial vaccines and sera for veterinary use in the U.K. Under Medicines Act requirements these products must be tested for potency before release to the public, such tests being performed in animals. The Ministry of Agriculture, as licensing authority, also carries out potency test on representative samples of these products. To avoid unnecessary use of animals we employ immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) as a screening test. Results obtained so far show a close correlation between values obtained by IEP and the statutory tests and offer a potential alternative to the use of animals in potency tests.