A histologic study on growth promoter target organs of slaughtered beef in Molise Region (Italy).
A gross pathology and histological investigation was carried out on bovine target organs of anabolic substances in the Molise Region (Italy). One hundred forty-four bovines (12-24 months old, 123 males and 21 females) were included in the survey. An antemortem assessment of their behavior and clinical examination were performed. After slaughter, samples of prostate, Cowper's glands, Bartholin's glands, mammary gland, ovaries, thymus and thyroid were collected, inspected and processed for histopathology, as suggested in the guidelines of the Italian national program for residue surveillance (PNR). Overall, 15.3% of the examined animals were classified as "suspect," 44.4% were classified as "uncertain," and the remaining 40.3% were classified as "negative." The most frequent lesion was a severe thymus atrophy with fat infiltration (15.4% of males and 14.3% of females), strongly suggesting the illegal use of corticosteroids.
Department of Animal Pathology, Prophylaxis and Food Hygiene, University of Pisa, Via delle Piagge 2a, Pisa, Italy.
Pierluigi
P
Imbimbo
Lorenzo
L
Castigliego
Andrea
A
Armani
Bartolomeo
B
Biolatti
Francesca Tiziana
FT
Cannizzo
Daniela
D
Gianfaldoni
Alessandra
A
Guidi
D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002030:Bulbourethral Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D045930:Anabolic Agents