Pathophysiology

Question 1

Where in the GI tract is folate absorbed?

Answer 1

The correct answer is jejunum. Folate is predominantly absorbed in the jejunum, in contrast to most other vitamins, which are absorbed predominantly in the duodenum (except for Vitamin B12 aka cobalamin, which is absorbed in the ileum).

Question 2

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is commonly observed in critically ill animals and is associated with fever, tachycardia, and leukopenia (among other abnormal parameters). Which cytokine is most typically associated with SIRS?

Answer 2

Interleukin 1 is one of the major up-stream instigators of the inflammatory response, regardless of species. Through activation of other inflammatory cells, IL-1 causes tremendous amplification of the inflammatory response.