PhD project by Mandy Beekmans to study behavioral and physiological effects of foraging enrichment in parrots

• dr. C.M. (Claudia) Vinke
• M.H.C. (Mandy) Beekmans MSc
• dr. Y.R.A. (Yvonne) van Zeeland
• prof. dr. ir. T.B. (Bas) Rodenburg

https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-veterinary-medicine/veterinary-research/partnerships/netherlands-centre-for-one-health-ncoh/fighting-covid-19-in-animals-and-humans

• prof. dr. J.A. (Jaap) Wagenaar
• drs. W.J.R. (Ruth) van der Leij
• drs. M.M. (Marleen) Kannekens-Jager
• dr. H.F. (Herman) Egberink
• dr. E.M. (Els) Broens
• prof. dr. J.A. (Arjan) Stegeman
• prof. dr. Merel Langelaar

• NCOH
• WUR
• Erasmus MC
• WBVR

• prof. dr. J.W. (Jan Willem) Hesselink
• Kees Vos
• dr. S.A. (Bas) van Nimwegen

In this study, in vitro models of canine Cushing`s syndrome will be used to study new treatment options. In adrenocortical tumor tissue the investigators will assess the effectiveness of compounds, called SF-1 inverse agonists, on hormone production and tumor growth, which are the main characteristics of an adrenocortical tumor. Testing with these compounds holds promises for a new medical approach of even inoperable adrenocortical tumors. In normal adrenal glands, surrogating the pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism, the suppression of steroid production is sufficient. The investigators expect that compounds, called MC2 receptor antagonists, will be superior to the current treatment due to their selectivity.

Identifying novel medical options will improve current treatment of Cushing`s syndrome in dogs. 

• dr. Sara Galac
• dr. ir. J.A. (Jan) Mol
• dr. Karin Sanders

• Enzo Lalli
• MD

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumours derived from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms and signs of pheochromocytoma result from secretion of excessive amounts of catecholamines or, infrequently from the space-occupying or invasive nature of the tumor. Clinical presentation of pheochromocytoma may be vague and in lack of reliable endocrine tests, it remains under diagnosed. Because pheochromocytoma are potentially malignant and their hormone secretion can lead to life-threatening situations and dead, there is need for a reliable endocrine test.
Measurement of catecholamine metabolites metanephrine (MN) and normetanephrine (NMN) in plasma and urine has been introduced in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in dogs. The major limitation of those studies is small sample size with regard to dogs with pheochromocytoma and healthy animals. In addition, acute stress can increase MN release, so exploring non invasive methods, like salivary MN and NMN measurements, is warranted.
The aims of this study are (1) to measure free MN and NMN in saliva (for the first time in veterinary medicine) (2) to establish the reference range for MN and NMN in saliva, plasma and urine and (3) to compare the concentrations of MN and NMS in urine and saliva collected at home with ones collected in-hospital.

In 50 healthy dogs voided urine samples will be collected by the owner in the morning one day before the visit to the hospital. In addition, saliva will be collected on the same day at home, written instructions will be provided. In the hospital, physical examination will be performed and thereafter blood, saliva and urine will be collected in this particular order. All samples will be stored at -20oC until analysis. In plasma and saliva, free MN and NMN will be measured and urinary deconjugated MN and NMN will be related to the urinary creatinine.

The results of urinary and salivary home–sampling will be compared to sampling in in-hospital environment and the influence of acute stress on MN and NMN values will be evaluated. Laboratory determinations and data analysis will take no more than 4 weeks and can be performed as soon as the material will be collected. The application to use healthy dogs in this study is in preparation.

• dr. Sara Galac

• Ido Kema
• UMC Groningen

• dr. J. (Jeffrey) de Gier
• A.C. (Auke) Schaefers-Okkens
• P.J.S. (Peter) van Kooten
• dr. P.A.J. (Peter) Leegwater
• dr. ir. T. (Theo) van Haeften
• dr. B.A.J. (Bernard) Roelen
• prof. dr. J.W. (Jan Willem) Hesselink
• dr. C.H.J. (Karin) Wolthers

The comparative and translational oncology program is part of the focus areas Tissue Repair and Advances in Veterinary Medicine of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences. 

In collaboration within the Utrecht University focus area "Growth and Differentiation" studies are oriented at the role of cancer stem cells in mammary, adrenal and insulin-producing carcinomas. 

• Mammary carcinoma
• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Insulinoma

In the program Advances in Veterinary Medicine translational research is oriented at

• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Lymphoma
• Prostate carcinoma
• Molecular imaging 

• dr. Sara Galac
• dr. ir. J.A. (Jan) Mol
• prof. dr. E. (Erik) Teske