Myometrial tissues from pregnant rats were examined by electron microscopy for the presence of gap junctions after incubation in vitro with a variety of agents. Gap junctions were present in low frequency or absent prior to incubation in vitro. The junctions were present in control tissues in high frequency after 48 h incubation. The addition of cycloheximide or actinomycin D inhibited the incorporation of [3H]leucine into TCA-precipitable proteins and prevented gap junction formation. A prostacyclin analog (carbacyclin), a thromboxane synthesis inhibitor, and indomethacin also prevented gap junction formation. Oxytocin had no effect on gap junction formation but isoxsuprine decreased their number and increased their size. Isoxsuprine and isoproterenol also produced electron opaque crystals associated with the gap junctions. Dibutyryl cAMP treatment but not monobutyryl cGMP also increased the size of gap junctions. Based upon this and previous studies, we propose at least four sites for regulation of gap junctions and possible control of labor.

Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in dogs that is characterised by focal or disseminated granulomatous lesions within the brain and/or spinal cord, non-suppurative meningitis and perivascular mononuclear cuffing. The aetiology of the disease remains unknown, although an immune-mediated cause is suspected. This article reviewed the typical history, clinical signs and pathology of the condition along with current opinions on pathogenesis. The potential differential diagnoses for the disease were discussed along with current treatment options.

Multiple subcutaneous swellings and discharging sinuses were a result of steatitis in three dogs. The steatitis in each case was thought to be associated with a pancreatic carcinoma. The association with pancreatic neoplasia had been suspected in life in only one dog but was confirmed at necropsy in each case. Circulating levels of pancreatic enzymes were increased in the one dog in which they were measured.

The simultaneous occurrence of bronchiolar‐alveolar carcinoma and large cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung is reported in a 12‐year‐old Australian terrier. Radiological findings in this case indicated diffuse infiltration but were nonspecific. Cytological examination of a fine needle lung aspirate and post mortem examination confirmed the presence of two concurrent forms of pulmonary neoplasia.