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Applied and environmental microbiology2003; 69(4); 2087-2093; doi: 10.1128/AEM.69.4.2087-2093.2003

Identification of equine cecal bacteria producing amines in an in vitro model of carbohydrate overload.

Abstract: Acute laminitis has been associated with the overgrowth of gram-positive bacteria within the equine hindgut, causing the release of factor(s) leading to ischemia-reperfusion of the digits. The products of fermentation which trigger acute laminitis are, as yet, unknown; however, vasoactive amines are possible candidates. The objectives of this study were to use an in vitro model of carbohydrate overload to study the change in populations of cecal streptococci and lactobacilli and to establish whether certain species of these bacteria were capable of producing vasoactive amines from amino acids. Cecal contents from 10 horses were divided into aliquots and incubated anaerobically with either corn starch or inulin (fructan; both at 1 g/100 ml). Samples were taken at 6-h intervals over a 24-h period for enumeration of streptococci, lactobacilli, and gram-negative anaerobes by a dilution method onto standard selective growth media. The effects of the antibiotic virginiamycin (1 mg/100 ml) and calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO(4); 0.3 g/100 ml) were also examined. Fermentation of excess carbohydrate was associated with increases in numbers of streptococci and lactobacilli (2- to 3.5-log unit increases; inhibited by virginiamycin) but numbers of gram-negative anaerobes were not significantly affected. A screening agar technique followed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis enabled the identification of 26 different bacterial strains capable of producing one or more vasoactive amines. These included members of the species Streptococcus bovis and five different Lactobacillus spp. These data suggest that certain bacteria, whose overgrowth is associated with carbohydrate fermentation, are capable of producing vasoactive amines which may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute laminitis.
Publication Date: 2003-04-05 PubMed ID: 12676687PubMed Central: PMC154823DOI: 10.1128/AEM.69.4.2087-2093.2003Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the role of certain bacteria in the equine (horse) hindgut in relation to acute laminitis, a painful disease affecting horse’s feet. The findings suggest that some of these bacteria, which multiply due to carbohydrate fermentation, produce vasoactive amines, potentially triggering acute laminitis.

Objective of the Study

The research aimed at understanding the role of specific bacteria in the onset of acute laminitis in horses. The researchers hypothesized that certain bacteria in the horse’s hindgut may produce vasoactive amines, a consequence of carbohydrate fermentation, which might play a vital role in triggering laminitis.

Methodology of the Study

  • An in vitro model was created to simulate a condition of carbohydrate overload.
  • Cecal contents from ten horses were further broken down into smaller samples for the experiment.
  • These samples were exposed to an anaerobic environment induced with corn starch or inulin at a concentration of 1g/100ml.
  • Routine samples were collected every six hours, over 24 hours to evaluate the count of streptococci, lactobacilli, and gram-negative anaerobes.
  • The impact of virginiamycin ( an antibiotic) and calcium hydrogen phosphate were also examined in this process.

Results of the Study

  • Fermentation of excess carbohydrate led to an increase in streptococci and lactobacilli. The numbers of gram-negative anaerobes were not significantly affected.
  • The researchers used a screening agar technique, paired with 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis to identify the types of bacteria capable of producing vasoactive amines.
  • 26 different bacterial strains were identified in the process that could give out one or more vasoactive amines.
  • Various species, including Streptococcus bovis and five different species of Lactobacillus, were among the bacteria identified.

Conclusion of the Study

The researchers concluded that specific bacteria, whose proliferation is linked with carbohydrate fermentation, are capable of producing vasoactive amines. This may have significant implications in the development of acute laminitis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of acute laminitis pathogenesis, which could help devise more effective treatment or preventive strategies for the disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Bailey SR, Baillon ML, Rycroft AN, Harris PA, Elliott J. (2003). Identification of equine cecal bacteria producing amines in an in vitro model of carbohydrate overload. Appl Environ Microbiol, 69(4), 2087-2093. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.69.4.2087-2093.2003

Publication

ISSN: 0099-2240
NlmUniqueID: 7605801
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 69
Issue: 4
Pages: 2087-2093

Researcher Affiliations

Bailey, S R
  • Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom. jelliott@rvc.ac.uk
Baillon, M-L
    Rycroft, A N
      Harris, P A
        Elliott, J

          MeSH Terms

          • Acute Disease
          • Amines / metabolism
          • Animal Feed
          • Animals
          • Bacteria / classification
          • Bacteria / genetics
          • Bacteria / isolation & purification
          • Calcium Phosphates / pharmacology
          • Cecum / microbiology
          • Colony Count, Microbial
          • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
          • Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria / classification
          • Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria / genetics
          • Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria / isolation & purification
          • Horse Diseases / etiology
          • Horses
          • Lactobacillus / classification
          • Lactobacillus / genetics
          • Lactobacillus / isolation & purification
          • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
          • Reperfusion Injury / etiology
          • Streptococcus / classification
          • Streptococcus / genetics
          • Streptococcus / isolation & purification
          • Virginiamycin / pharmacology

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