FURAZOLIDONE-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN TURKEYS - ASSOCIATION WITH A RELATIVE ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 91  (3) , 531-+
Abstract
A naturally occurring cardiomyopathy (round heart disease) which is potentiated by inbreeding and a cardiomyopathy produced by furazolidone, a nitrofuran derivative, were studied for an associated .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency in 2 flocks of turkeys (1 inbred for round heart disease and a commercial flock). At 4 wk of age, the furazolidone-fed birds of both flocks demonstrated a marked increase in mortality and cardiac dilatation associated with disordered hepatic metabolism when compared with controls. Although PAS[periodic acid-Schiff]-positive, diastase-resistant globules were observed in livers of both strains of turkeys fed furazolidone, these globules were present in lysosomes and not in the rough endoplasmic reticulum as in .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency. The control inbred birds with round heart disease did not demonstrate histologic or biochemical evidence of an .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency. Apparently furazolidone in the turkey produces primary hepatic damage that is reflected in lowered total serum proteins, including trypsin inhibitory capacity, and the alterations produced by furazolidone are superimposed on round heart disease in the inbred flock.