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Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro
Published on: November 24, 2013
Lectin-histochemistry: glycogenosis in cattle
P Zlotowski1, E J Gimeno, A Diaz
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540000, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Veterinary Research Communications
|February 28, 2006
Summary
Generalized glycogenosis, a metabolic disorder, affected Brahman calves in Brazil, causing muscle weakness and lethargy. This condition involves abnormal glycogen accumulation in various tissues, particularly muscles and the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Biochemistry
- Animal Genetics
Background:
- A Brahman herd in Brazil experienced an outbreak of a neurological and muscular disorder in calves.
- Affected calves exhibited progressive muscular weakness, tremors, lethargy, and poor body condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying cause of the observed clinical signs and pathological findings in Brahman calves.
- To characterize the cellular and tissue-level abnormalities associated with the disease.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected calves.
- Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining to detect carbohydrate-rich substances.
- Diastase digestion to confirm glycogen.
- Lectins (Griffonia simplicifolia II, Concanavalia ensiformes) for glycogen detection.
- Electron microscopy to visualize subcellular structures.
Main Results:
- Gross examination revealed pale muscles in the trunk and limbs.
- Microscopic analysis showed multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles in various tissues, especially skeletal muscle and myocardium.
- PAS-positive granules, confirmed as glycogen, were abundant in muscle fibers, Purkinje cells, neurons, and vascular smooth muscle.
- Electron microscopy confirmed glycogen accumulation within the cytoplasm and membrane-bound granules in multiple tissues.
Conclusions:
- The findings are consistent with a diagnosis of generalized glycogenosis (glycogen storage disease).
- This metabolic disorder significantly impacts Brahman calves, leading to severe clinical manifestations and pathological changes.
