The presence and localization of actin was investigated in guinea pig spermatogenic cells and cauda epididymal sperm (CauE). Staining with rhodamine-phalloidin demonstrated the presence of actin filaments in the region of the developing acrosome in guinea pig spermatids. The actin filaments were visualized predominantly in the region of the inner acrosomal membrane in both round and elongating spermatids. As development progressed, the intensity of the staining diminished. No rhodamine-phalloidin staining was found in testicular sperm lacking a residual body or in CauE sperm. Analysis of actin levels by immunoblotting with an anti-actin monoclonal antibody showed that the disappearance of actin filaments is accompanied by a decrease in the level of actin per cell. By using immunoblotting techniques, actin was readily detected in preparations of purified spermatogenic cells, but not in preparations of purified CauE sperm. Actin was also not detected in cauda sperm by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with anti-actin antibodies or examination of whole cell extracts by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

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Summary Traumatic keratouveitis in horses is characterised by a unilateral, aseptic, vascularising keratitis accompanied by moderate to severe anterior uveitis. In a series of 9 cases of post traumatic keratouveitis, topical and systemic nonsteroidal drugs and atropine were used to control the anterior uveitis while allowing spontaneous corneal healing. Among the 9 cases reported, 6 affected eyes previously treated with local corticosteroids took significantly longer to resolve when compared to 3 eyes in which corticosteroids had not been administered. It was concluded that, in cases of equine post traumatic keratouveitis, locally administered corticosteroids inhibit healing of damaged corneal stroma and, by prolonging the keratitis, perpetuate the concurrent anterior uveitis.

An eight-year-old neutered male diabetic Cardigan Welsh Corgi was presented for bilateral mature cataracts. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed routinely, and recovery was uneventful for several months except for lipemic aqueous flare which gradually resolved during the postoperative period. Five months following surgery the owner presented the dog for decreased vision. White retinal deposits were visualized ophthalmoscopically. Serum analysis revealed that the dog was concurrently markedly hyperlipemic. The patient's diet was changed from a high- to a low-fat diet, following which diabetes control improved, hyperlipemia resolved, and the retinal deposits decreased markedly in size. The retinal deposits seen ophthalmoscopically are presumed to be lipid based upon their association with marked hyperlipemia, and the concurrent resolution of hyperlipemia and the fundic lesions.