Mark W Cunningham

Publications of Mark W Cunningham

• Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Angiotensin II Induced Hypertension.

  Authors: Jennifer M Sasser, Natasha C Moningka, Mark W. Cunningham, Byron P Croker, Chris Baylis

  American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology. 12/2009;

  Recent studies have shown that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, is increased in hypertension and chronic kidney disease. However, little is known about theRecent studies have shown that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, is increased in hypertension and chronic kidney disease. However, little is known about the effects of hypertension per se on ADMA metabolism. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that angiotensin II (ANG II) induced hypertension, in the absence of renal injury, is associated with increased oxidative stress and plasma and renal cortex ADMA levels in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were given ANG II (200ng/kg/min SC by minipump) for 1 or 3 weeks or ANG II (400 ng/kg/min) for 6 weeks. Mean arterial pressure was increased after 3 and 6 weeks of ANG II; however renal injury (proteinuria, glomerular sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis) was only evident after 6 weeks of treatment. Plasma TBARS concentration and renal cortex p22phox protein abundance were increased early (1 and 3 weeks), but urinary excretion of isoprostane and hydrogen peroxide was only increased after 6 weeks of ANG II. Increased plasma ADMA was evident after 6 weeks of ANG II, and this was associated with increased lung PRMT-1 abundance and decreased renal cortex DDAH activity. No changes in renal cortex ADMA were observed. ANG II hypertension in the absence of renal injury is not associated with increased ADMA; however, when the severity and duration of the treatment were increased, plasma ADMA increased. These data suggest that elevated blood pressure alone, of up to 3 weeks duration, in the absence of renal injury does not play an important role in the regulation of ADMA. However, the presence of renal injury and sustained hypertension for 6 weeks does increase ADMA levels and contributes to nitric oxide deficiency and cardiovascular disease. Key words: oxidative stress, kidney, hypertension, protein arginine methyltransferase-1.

• Hematology and Serum Chemistry Values for Free-ranging Florida Panther Neonates with a Comparison to Adult Panther Values.

  Authors: Garry W Foster, Mark W Cunningham

  Journal of wildlife diseases. 08/2009; 45(3):857-62.

  Hematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for 25 free-ranging Florida panther (Puma concolor couguar) neonates from southern Florida sampled from January 2001 to April 2007. The kittensHematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for 25 free-ranging Florida panther (Puma concolor couguar) neonates from southern Florida sampled from January 2001 to April 2007. The kittens were </= 25 days old, belonging to 12 litters, from 11 different dams. Forty-one blood samples also were collected from 32 free-ranging adult panthers (3-10 yr-old) from southern Florida from November 2000 to February 2007. Male kittens had higher hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell (RBC) counts than did female kittens. Neonates had higher mean serum values of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, triglycerides, and magnesium than adult panthers but lower mean values of urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, sodium, chloride, creatine kinase, amylase, and total globulin. Neonates also had higher mean values of mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelets, and the number of lymphocytes and monocytes but lower Hb, HCT, white blood cell count, RBC count, and neutrophils than adult panthers. No other significant differences in serum chemistry or hematology were noted between neonates and adults.

• Transmammary Infection of Free-ranging Florida Panther Neonates by Alaria marcianae (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae).

  Authors: Garry W Foster, John Michael Kinsella, Barbara J Sheppard, Mark W Cunningham

  The Journal of parasitology. 08/2008;

  Two, freshly-dead, female Florida panther (FP) neonates, Puma concolor couguar (= Puma concolor coryi), an 11-day-old and a 17-day-old, were collected in the Florida Panther National Wildlife RefugeTwo, freshly-dead, female Florida panther (FP) neonates, Puma concolor couguar (= Puma concolor coryi), an 11-day-old and a 17-day-old, were collected in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (260 14' N, 810 36' W), Collier County, Florida. The 2 neonates were siblings and presumably fed only on milk from the dam since birth. A 12-day-old female FP neonate (K268) was collected in the Big Cypress National Preserve (260 05' N, 810 15' W), Collier County, Florida, and also fed only on milk from the dam since birth. Milk was the only food item found in the gastrointestinal tract of these neonates. Mesocercariae and diplostomula of Alaria marcianae were collected from the lungs of the 3 neonates, indicating a transmammary route of infection. No mesocercariae, diplostomula, or mature A. marcianae were seen in the stomach or small intestine. The probable paratenic host for the A. marcianae infection in the adult Florida panther is the raccoon (Procyon lotor).

• Epizootiology and management of feline leukemia virus in the Florida puma.

  Authors: Mark W Cunningham, Meredith A Brown, David B Shindle, Scott P Terrell, Kathleen A Hayes, Bambi C Ferree, R T McBride, Emmett L Blankenship, Deborah Jansen, Scott B Citino, Melody E Roelke, Richard A Kiltie, Jennifer L Troyer, Stephen J O'Brien

  Journal of wildlife diseases. 08/2008; 44(3):537-52.

  Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was not detected in Florida pumas (Puma concolor coryi) in almost 20 yr of surveillance; however, the finding of two FeLV antigen-positive pumas during the 2002-2003Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was not detected in Florida pumas (Puma concolor coryi) in almost 20 yr of surveillance; however, the finding of two FeLV antigen-positive pumas during the 2002-2003 capture season led to an investigation of FeLV in the population. Between January 1990 and April 2007, the proportion of pumas testing FeLV antibody positive increased, with antibody-positive pumas concentrated in the northern portion of puma range. Five of 131 (4%) pumas sampled between July 2000 and April 2007 were viremic, with all cases clustered in Okaloacoochee Slough (OKS). Clinical signs and clinical pathology at capture were absent or included lymphadenopathy, moderate-to-severe anemia, and lymphopenia. All viremic pumas died; causes of death were septicemia (n=2), intraspecific aggression (n=2), and anemia/dehydration (n=1). Outcome after FeLV exposure in pumas was similar to that in domestic cats, with evidence of regressive, latent, and persistent infections. Management of the epizootic included vaccination, and as of April 2007, 52 free-ranging pumas had received one or more inoculations. Vaccinations were concentrated in OKS and in a band between OKS and the remainder of the puma population. There have been no new cases since July 2004; however, the potential for reintroduction of the virus remains.

• Genetic characterization of feline leukemia virus from Florida panthers.

  Authors: Meredith A Brown, Mark W Cunningham, Alfred L Roca, Jennifer L Troyer, Warren E Johnson, Stephen J O'Brien

  Emerging infectious diseases. 03/2008; 14(2):252-9.

  From 2002 through 2005, an outbreak of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occurred in Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi). Clinical signs included lymphadenopathy, anemia, septicemia, and weight loss; 5From 2002 through 2005, an outbreak of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occurred in Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi). Clinical signs included lymphadenopathy, anemia, septicemia, and weight loss; 5 panthers died. Not associated with FeLV outcome were the genetic heritage of the panthers (pure Florida vs. Texas/Florida crosses) and co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus. Genetic analysis of panther FeLV, designated FeLV-Pco, determined that the outbreak likely came from 1 cross-species transmission from a domestic cat. The FeLV-Pco virus was closely related to the domestic cat exogenous FeLV-A subgroup in lacking recombinant segments derived from endogenous FeLV. FeLV-Pco sequences were most similar to the well-characterized FeLV-945 strain, which is highly virulent and strongly pathogenic in domestic cats because of unique long terminal repeat and envelope sequences. These unique features may also account for the severity of the outbreak after cross-species transmission to the panther.

• Parasitic helminths of free-ranging mink (Neovison vison mink) from southern Florida.

  Authors: Garry W Foster, Mark W Cunningham, John M Kinsella, Mike Owen

  The Journal of parasitology. 09/2007; 93(4):945-6.

  Five free-ranging mink, Neovison vison mink, from in or near the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier County, Florida (26 degrees 00'N, 81 degrees 25'W), were examined for parasiticFive free-ranging mink, Neovison vison mink, from in or near the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier County, Florida (26 degrees 00'N, 81 degrees 25'W), were examined for parasitic helminths. Nine species of helminths were identified (2 trematodes, 5 nematodes, and 2 acanthocephalans). The most prevalent parasites were Molineus patens (4 of 5 mink), mean intensity 173 (range, 12-342); Strongyloides sp. (4 of 5), mean intensity 48 (range, 1-170); Macracanthorhynchus ingens (immature) (4 of 5), mean intensity 2.5 (range, 1-4); and Alaria mustelae (3 of 5), mean intensity 59.3 (range, 11-127). Polymorphus brevis and Dirofilaria lutrae are reported from the mink for the first time.

• Diagnosis and treatment of presumptive postobstructive pulmonary edema in a Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi).

  Authors: Christine V Fiorello, Mark W Cunningham, Shauna L Cantwell, Julie K Levy, Erin M Neer, Kenneth Conley, Paul M Rist

  Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. 07/2007; 38(2):317-22.

  A free-ranging, adult male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was immobilized and evaluated for hematuria following routine capture. Prior to anesthetic recovery, the panther was fitted with aA free-ranging, adult male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was immobilized and evaluated for hematuria following routine capture. Prior to anesthetic recovery, the panther was fitted with a telemetry collar. After an initially quiet recovery, the panther began thrashing in the transport cage, and was again immobilized. Pink foam was evident from the nostrils, and crackles were ausculted over the chest, indicating pulmonary edema. Postobstructive pulmonary edema was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, radiographic evaluation, and blood gas analysis. The animal was treated intensively for several hours with diuretics, oxygen, and manual ventilation. The panther responded rapidly to therapy and was released back into the wild 48 hr after presentation. Postobstructive pulmonary edema, also called negative-pressure pulmonary edema, may be underrecognized in veterinary medicine. In this case, the telemetry collar, in conjunction with anesthetic recovery in a small transport crate, may have contributed to tracheal obstruction. Wildlife veterinarians and biologists should be aware of the risk of airway obstruction when placing tracking collars, and animals should be continuously monitored during anesthetic recovery to ensure the presence of a patent airway.

• Molecular detection and characterization of Cytauxzoon felis and a Babesia species in cougars from Florida.

  Authors: Michael J Yabsley, Staci M Murphy, Mark W Cunningham

  Journal of wildlife diseases. 05/2006; 42(2):366-74.

  Piroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from Cytauxzoon felis, previously were detected in 36% of cougars in Florida. We utilized a nested 18S rRNA assay, which amplifies DNA from allPiroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from Cytauxzoon felis, previously were detected in 36% of cougars in Florida. We utilized a nested 18S rRNA assay, which amplifies DNA from all piroplasms, to screen blood samples collected from 41 cougars from Florida (39 native Florida panthers [Puma concolor coryi] and two translocated Texas cougars [P. c. stanleyana]) from 1989-2005. Thirty-nine of the 41 cougars (95%) were positive for piroplasms; however, sequence analysis and restriction enzyme digestion revealed that only five were positive for C. felis. Samples from 32 cougars were positive for a Babesia sp. Two cougars were co-infected with both C. felis and the Babesia sp. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the Florida panther Babesia sp. was most closely related to a Babesia sp. reported from Ixodes ovatus from Japan, Babesia divergens, and Babesia odocoilei. This study indicates that Florida panthers harbor two distinct piroplasms, C. felis and a Babesia sp., and that some individuals are infected with both organisms. The infectivity and pathogenicity of this Babesia sp. for domestic cats is unknown. This represents the first report of a feline Babesia sp. in North America.

• Gastrointestinal helminths of free-ranging Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) and the efficacy of the current anthelmintic treatment protocol.

  Authors: Garry W Foster, Mark W Cunningham, John M Kinsella, Grace McLaughlin, Donald J Forrester

  Journal of wildlife diseases. 04/2006; 42(2):402-6.

  Thirty-five Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi [Bangs, 1899]) collected from six counties in southern Florida between 1978 and 2003 were examined at necropsy for gastrointestinal helminths. TheThirty-five Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi [Bangs, 1899]) collected from six counties in southern Florida between 1978 and 2003 were examined at necropsy for gastrointestinal helminths. The panthers were placed into two groups: 1) treated with anthelmintics (n = 17), and 2) untreated (n = 18). Nine species of helminths (one trematode, six nematodes, and two cestodes) were identified in the untreated panthers. The most prevalent helminths were Alaria marcianae (LaRue, 1917) (100%), Spirometra mansonoides (Mueller, 1935) (91%), and Ancylostoma pluridentatum (Alessandrini, 1905) (89%). Ancylostoma caninum (Ercolani, 1859) is reported from the Florida panther for the first time. The intensities of helminths with prevalences >10% did not differ between untreated panthers collected in 1978-1983 and 1996-2003. Treated panthers had helminth faunas similar to those of untreated panthers. The current anthelmintic treatment being used reduced the intensity of both A. marcianae and A. pluridentatum in panthers < or =6 mo posttreatment (PT); however, treated panthers between 6 and 9 mo PT, and >9 mo PT were similar to untreated panthers. Treatment was less effective on S. mansonoides and Taenia omissa Lühe, 1910. Treated panthers had slightly lower intensities of S. mansonoides at < or =6 mo PT; however, between 6 and 9 mo PT and >9 mo PT they had significantly higher intensities than untreated panthers. At all periods PT, the intensity of T. omissa for the treated panthers was similar to that of untreated panthers. We suggest that Mesocestoides sp. may not be present in the Florida panther population as reported earlier by Forrester et al. (1985), due to parasite misidentification by those authors.

• Parasitic helminths of black bear cubs (Ursus americanus) from Florida.

  Authors: Garry W Foster, Mark W Cunningham, John M Kinsella, Donald J Forrester

  The Journal of parasitology. 03/2004; 90(1):173-5.

  Twenty-two Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) cubs (< or = 12 mo old) from Florida were examined for endoparasites between 1998 and 2003. Eleven species of helminths were found (8Twenty-two Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) cubs (< or = 12 mo old) from Florida were examined for endoparasites between 1998 and 2003. Eleven species of helminths were found (8 nematodes, 2 trematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan). The most prevalent helminths were Ancylostoma caninum (64%), Macracanthorhynchus ingens (36%), Strongyloides sp. (27%), Baylisascaris transfuga (23%), and A. tubaeforme (14%). New host records include A. tubaeforme and Brachylaima virginianum. This is the first report of B. transfuga in black bears from Florida.