Cellular Immune Parameters Research Articles

The modulatory influence of some Echinacea-based remedies on antibody production and cellular immunity in mice.

Echinacea purpurea-containing remedies are herbal medicines used in respiratory tract infections and several inflammatory conditions as enhancers of non-specific and modulators of specific cellular immunity. They also exert anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial activity. The aim of the present study was to compare the in vivo influence of orally administered three Echinacea purpurea-based remedies (IMMUNAL drops, ECHINACEA FORTE drops, IMMUNAL FORTE tablets) on some parameters of cellular and humoral immunity in mice.ResultsFeeding mice for seven days with IMMUNAL drops resulted in enhanced anti-SRBC antibody production and modulatory effect on proliferative response to PHA of their splenic lymphocytes. No stimulatory effect was observed on splenocytes chemokinesis.Mice fed with ECHINACEA FORTE drops presented enhanced response to PHA of their splenocytes. However, contrary to the previous group, no enhancement of antibody production was observed. In this group, lymphocyte-induced immunological angiogenesis (LIA) and chemokinesis (spontaneous migration – SM) of spleen lymphocytes was diminished after feeding mice with both doses (LIA) or with a higher dose (SM) of remedy. Lymphocyte-induced immunological angiogenesis activity of splenocytes collected from animals fed with prophylactic and therapeutic IMMUNAL FORTE tablet doses did not differ from the controls.

Uveitis: RESULTS of a prospective randomized clinical and immunological study

to evaluate the RESULTS of a randomized prospective clinical and immunological study conducted during 2012-2014 in patients with uveitis. The main group consisted of 200 randomly selected patients with uveitis including 114 men (57%) and 86 women (42%) aged 19-57 years. A comprehensive ophthalmic and immunological examination was performed in all patients regardless of them having a relapse or remission. To assess patient's immune status, we investigated parameters of cellular and humoral immunity as well as complement components C3 and C4 levels. Systemic connective tissue disorders appeared to be the main cause of uveitis among the patients examined - 32% of cases. But if to consider distinct nosological entities, first place goes to herpes virus infection - 22% of cases. In general, infectious uveitis was diagnosed in 43.5% of cases, underlying systemic conditions were found in other 46%, and finally, in some patients, uveitis was identified as posttraumatic (4.5%) or idiopathic (6%). A total of 60.5% of patients showed clinical and functional improvement under treatment. Irreversible blindness in 9 patients was due to one of the following: secondary glaucoma (4 cases, 2%), retinal detachment (3 cases, 1.5%), or ocular subatrophy (2 cases, 1%). Late referral (i.e. after the development of irreversible secondary complications) should be named as one of the main causes of low vision in patients with uveitis. As to laboratory changes, only those in cellular and congenital immunity factors were statistically significant. In order to minimize the risk of proliferative secondary complications, a tool should be created such as a single database of uveitis patients, according to which they could be followed up. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy for uveitis may lead to herpesvirus reactivation. The complex nature of immune disorders justifies certain corrective measures in uvetis patients but only with account to their current immune status.

Early ART Results in Greater Immune Reconstitution Benefits in HIV-Infected Infants: Working with Data Missingness in a Longitudinal Dataset.

BackgroundEarly initiation of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) decreases mortality as compared to deferred treatment, but whether it preserves immune cells from early loss or promotes their recovery remains undefined. Determination of complex immunological endpoints in infants is often marred by missing data due to missed visits and/or inadequate sampling. Specialized methods are required to address missingness and facilitate data analysis.MethodsWe characterized the changes in cellular and humoral immune parameters over the first year of life in 66 HIV-infected infants (0–1 year of age) enrolled in the CHER study starting therapy within 12 weeks of birth (n = 42) or upon disease progression (n = 24). A convenience cohort of 23 uninfected infants aged 0–6 months born to mothers with HIV-1 infection was used as controls. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to evaluate changes in natural killer (NK) cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), and CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell frequencies. Data missingness was assessed using Little's test. Complete datasets for analysis were created using Multiple Imputation (MI) or Bayesian modeling and multivariate analysis was conducted on the imputed datasets.ResultsHIV-1-infected infants had greater frequency of CD4+ T cells with naïve phenotype, as well as higher serum IL-7 levels than HIV exposed/uninfected infants. The elevated data missingness was completely at random, allowing the use of both MI and Bayesian modeling. Both methods indicate that early ART initiation results in higher CD4+ T cell frequency, lower expression of CD95 in CD8+ T cell, and preservation of naïve T cell subsets. In contrast, innate immune effectors appeared to be similar independently of the timing of ART initiation.ConclusionsEarly ART initiation in infants with perinatal HIV infection reduces immune activation and preserves an early expansion of naïve T-cells with undiminished innate cell numbers, giving greater immune reconstitution than achieved with deferred ART. Both statistical approaches concurred in this finding.

In Vitro and Dietary Effects of Chitin on Cellular and Humoral Immune Parameters of Catla, Catla catla (Hamilton)

AbstractImmunostimulants increase the immunocompetency and disease resistance of fish by enhancing immune responses. This study determined the in vitro and dietary effects of chitin on immune responses of catla, Catla catla. Catla head‐kidney leukocytes were cultured in complete RPMI‐1640 medium containing 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mL of chitin. Leucocyte viability and different cellular immune responses, namely, respiratory burst, nitric oxide production, and leucocyte peroxidase content were analyzed in vitro. In the dietary experiment, chitin‐supplemented diets (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% of feed) were fed to catla for 2 wk, and respiratory burst, serum lysozyme, and total protein contents were measured after 1 and 2 wk of feeding. Leucocytes incubated in vitro with chitin for 72 h maintained their viability. Chitin significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced all the immune responses in vitro. The lowest dose showed the best response. Dietary chitin also significantly stimulated all the immune parameters in a dose‐dependent manner with the highest dose showing the maximum responses. All the responses were higher after 1 wk of feeding and declined thereafter. The results suggest that chitin stimulates catla cellular and humoral immune responses in vitro and in vivo.

A51: Immunologic microenvironment and some molecular biological characteristics of breast cancer

The purpose of the study was to assess parameters of local cellular immunity, expression of apoptosis-controlling proteins and some other receptors in various molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC) with different clinical course and prognosis. Materials and methods 100 BC patients aged 30–76 years (59 ± 3.4) were recruited. Tissues of tumor and peritumoral area were homogenized by MediMachine, subset contents of T, B, NK-lymphocytes were estimated by flow cytometer FACS CantoII. Percentage of lymphocytes expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56, were counted from total amount of CD45+ lymphocytes. Sections of paraffin-embedded blocks were studied by immunohistochemical method with polyvalent HRP-DAB detection system. Staining was performed using Thermo Scientific autostainer. Tumor was considered p53-positive when >25% of tumor cell nuclei were positively stained, and bcl-2-positive when >25% of cells showed specific cytoplasmic staining. Expression of E-cadherin was assessed by the number of cells with positive membrane expression of this marker, taking into account intensity of the reaction. Expression of topoisomerase 2α and androgen receptors was assessed by the number of tumor cells with positive nuclear expression of these markers; number of stained nuclei per 100 nuclei in 3 fields of view was counted. Results Some differences characterizing tumor cells of molecular breast cancer subtypes were found. Tumor tissue contained higher amount of T-lymphocytes than blood (85.9 ± 2.36% vs 60.1 ± 4.5%, P p53 overexpression was equally often recorded in luminal B and Her2+ subtypes of BC and slightly less frequently in triple-negative subtype. Accumulation of p53 was 2 times less frequently detected in luminal A subtype in comparison with triple -negative cancer and 2.5 and 2.7 times less frequently in comparison with luminal B and Her2+ BC, respectively. Study of bcl-2 expression showed reducing the frequency of positive tumor cell staining in dependence on the receptor status of tumor: positive cases were several times less frequent in triple-negative and Her2+ subtypes in comparison with luminal A and B subtypes. Luminal A subtype was characterized by the minimal p53, topoisomerase 2 α and androgen receptor expression and maximal expression of bcl-2 and E-cadherin. Luminal B subtype showed a high expression of p53, bcl-2 and androgen receptors and moderate expression of topoisomerase 2 α and E-cadherin. High expression of topoisomerase 2 α , low expression of androgen receptors and moderate expression of E- cadherin were registered in triple-negative BC. The maximal expression of topoisomerase 2 α and p53, as well as low expression of bcl-2 and E-cadherin, was observed in Her2+ subtype. Conclusions CD8+ T-lymphocytes dominate in tumor tissue of BC. Besides, tumor tissue of luminal A BC contains more NK-cells than other subtypes. A number of differences in expression of apoptosis-controlling proteins was observed in various molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Luminal A BC was noted for the minimal p53 expression and maximal bcl-2expression. Luminal B subtype had a high p53 and bcl- 2 expression. In Her2+ BC p53 expression was maximal and bcl-2 expression was low. The described differences allow assessing molecular subtypes of breast cancer and predicting the disease course from previously unexplored perspectives.

Supplementation with imuno-2865® in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758): Effects on hematological and antioxidant parameters.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IMUNO-2865(®) on hematological and antioxidative parameters in sea bream. Total of 640 sea bream were fed with diets containing 0 (Group 1), 1 (Group 2), 10 (Group 3) and 25 (Group 4) g of IMUNO-2865(®) kg(-1) feed during 90 days. Samples were taken each month and three months after the supplementation. A significant heterophils increase was observed in group 4 compared to group 1 after two months, and an increase in monocytes number was observed in group 4 compared to the other groups after one month. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were significantly increased in groups 3 and 4 compared to the control group three months into the experiment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased in group 4 compared to the control group from day 60 until the end of the experiment, and in groups 2 and 3 compared to the control after three months. Based on the differences in the cellular immunity and oxidative stress parameters, with an overall absence of mortality, the results of this study suggest that the use of IMUNO-2865(®) in aquaculture is safe and possess a cumulative immunostimulatory effect on sea bream.

Assessment of Some Immune Parameters in Occupationally Exposed Nuclear Power Plant Workers: Flow Cytometry Measurements of T Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Immunoglobulin Determination.

A 10-year survey of immune status of nuclear power plant (NPP) workers was assessed by cellular and humoral immune parameters. The cumulative doses of NPP workers were in the range of 0.06 to 766.36 mSv. The results did not show significant deviations in the studied parameters of cellular and humoral immunity, but a tendency of elevated values in CD3+4+ helper inducers cells, especially its CD4+62L+ subpopulation, regulatory CD4+25+ cells, CD8+28+ cytotoxic subpopulation, and immunoglobulin M, was established. The observed trend of the above-mentioned parameters could be interpreted by assumption that while the adaptation processes are dominated with low prevalence of T-helper (Th) 1 immune response to cumulative doses less than 100 mSv, a switch to Th-2 response occurred at doses above 100 mSv. The impact of a number of other confounding factors on the immune system does not allow definitive conclusions about the direct radiation-induced changes in immune parameters.

No evidence for priming response in Galleria mellonella larvae exposed to toxin protein PirA2B2 from Photorhabdus luminescens TT01: An association with the inhibition of the host cellular immunity

There is accumulating evidence that many invertebrates including insects can acquire enhanced immune protection against subsequently pathogens infection through immune priming. However, whether the toxin protein from pathogenic bacteria can induce such priming response remains unclear. Here we cloned, expressed and purified the toxin Photorhabdus insect-related proteins A2B2 (PirA2B2) from Photorhabdus luminescens TT01. We primed Galleria mellonella with sublethal dose of PirA2B2 and then challenged the larvae with viable P. luminescens TT01 at 48h after priming. We found no evidence for immune priming in G. mellonella larvae exposed to PirA2B2. Priming the larvae with PirA2B2 did not improve their resistance in a subsequent challenge with P. luminescens TT01. Whereas a robust priming response was observed when the larvae exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from P. luminescens TT01. Because the larvae primed with LPS showed significant higher resistance against P. luminescens TT01 infection than those of the PBS and BSA controls. Furthermore, we investigated the changes of the cellular immune parameters, such as hemocyte counts, phagocytic activity and encapsulation ability of the hemocytes, after priming. We found that the toxin PirA2B2 significantly decreased the cellular immunity of the larvae, whereas the LPS significantly increased them. These results indicated that the degree of priming response in G. mellonella correlated positively to the levels of cellular immune parameters, and the underlying mechanism in regulating the immune priming of invertebrates was not homologous to that of the immunological memory of vertebrates.

Influence of Adamantilbromphenylamine on Parameters of Immunity and Symptoms of Asthenia in Patients with Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders

Our aim was to assess effect of antiasthenic drug adamantilbromphenylamine on the immune system and symptoms of asthenia in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders and to reveal possible criteria for prediction of treatment efficiency. Uncontrolled study with interrupted time series was carried out. According to efficiency of treatment patients were divided into two groups (group 1 (n=21)--very much improved and much improved; group 2 (n=9)--minimally improved). Adamantilbromphenylamine was administered to patients as a monotherapy 100 mg a day for 28 days. Examination was conducted before and after therapy. Severity of asthenic symptoms according to MFI-20 scale was identified; cellular and humoral immunity parameters, mitogen-induced production of interleukins (IL) 1β and IL 4 by immunocompetent cells of patients were assessed. 30 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders with predominance of asthenic symptomatology in clinical picture of the disease were examined. Before therapy every proband had over 60 points across 5 items of MFI-20 scale. As compared with control decrease of number of lymphocytes of CD3+-, HLA-DR+, CD16+-phenotypes; increase in the ratio of CD4+/CD8+; concentration of serum IgM; phagocytic activity of neutrophils were revealed. In the end of therapy in group 1, sum total of points of asthenia decreased up to 26(23-37) (p<0.001); in group 2--up to 57(47-61). Only in group 1 positive dynamic of immune parameters was revealed. It was shown that baseline level of proinflammatory cytokine IL 1β in group with apparent therapeutic effect of the drug was reliably lower, than in group with minimal improvement (p=0.005). These differences remained also after course of therapy (p=0.042). Interrelationship of clinical-immunological effect of adamantilbromphenylamine has been revealed; intensity of production of IL 1β may be considered as a criterion of prognosis of efficiency of treatment with adamantilbromphenylamine in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders.

Periodic fevers associated with celiac disease and marked increase of NK cells

Case report A five year old boy was referred to our department for a history of repeated fevers. Family history was uneventful, however his father suffered from repeated episodes of tonsilitis in childhood. Our patient presented with a history of repeated fevers with a clinical signs of tonsilitis since he was 2.5 years old. Fever attacks recur approximately every 6 weeks and are associated with lymphadenitis, sometimes accompanied by aphthous stomatitis. His inflammatory markers were elevated in a time of fever episode, but did not reach very high values typical for periodic fever syndromes. Chronic fatigue and progressive anemia also formed a persistent part of his clinical presentation. Immunological investigation revealed significant decrease of T lymphocytes (CD3+ cells between 25-40%, normal values above 60%, absolute number between 0.5-0.9x10/9/l, normal values above 1x10/9/l), and a surprising increase of NK cells reaching over 50% of lymphocyte population. Further detailed search for underlying cause led to an unexpected diagnosis of celiac disease. Appropriate diet was introduced and led promptly to a decrease of celiac disease associated antibodies and to an improvement of anemia and fatigue. His fever attacks, however, did not resolve, and his highly pathological findings of low T cells and extremely high NK cells were still detectable, not responding to antiinflammatory and corticosteroid treatment. PET scan was performed and showed an accumulation of activity in a pharyngeal arch and tonsil area. Tonsilectomy was performed at his 6 years of age and led to a prompt improvement in his clinical presentation, with a complete resolution of febrile episodes. His abnormal laboratory findings in cellular immune parameters very slowly improved within the next 6 months, with an increase of CD3+ T cells and drop of NK cells to their normal values.

EFFECT OF IMMUNOTHERAPY ON THE CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL CANCER

For the last thirty years immunotherapy has become an integral part of treatment of some cancers. The most effective approach in this context would be the use of complex immunostimulatory factors including tumor antigen in different forms, interleukins that stimulate differentiation. Background: The aim of the study was to compare cellular immune response on specific and combined immunotherapy in patients with cervical cancer. Patients and methods: 76 cervical cancer patients undergoing combined radiotherapy were included into the study. Plus to basic radiation treatment two types of immunotherapy was performed: first — autolymphocytes reinfusion after in vitro incubation with tumor antigen (tumor tissue homogenate) and interleukin-2, second — combination of above mentioned immunotherapy, interleukin-2 and systemic enzyme. Results: This has resulted in increase of cellular immunity parameters in the main group with combined immunotherapy an excess of cells with killer activity to ensure an effective anti-tumor immune response and, accordingly, the clinical efficacy of specific methods and adoptive immunotherapy in patients with cervical cancer. Conclusion: Immunotherapy usage in the form of a preparation of interleukin-2 and a system enzymotherapy in a combination with a specific immunotherapy is possible. This way of treatment is recommended in cases of decreasing of cellular immunity indicators.

Immunosuppressive effects of the standardized extract of Phyllanthus amarus on cellular immune responses in Wistar-Kyoto rats.

Phyllanthus amarus (family: Euphorbiaceae) is of immense interest due to its wide spectrum of biological activities. In the present study, the standardized 80% ethanol extract of P. amarus was investigated for its modulatory activity on various cellular immune parameters, including chemotaxis of neutrophils, engulfment of Escherichia coli by neutrophils, and Mac-1 expression, in leukocytes isolated from treated/nontreated Wistar-Kyoto rats. The detailed cell-mediated activity of P. amarus was also investigated, including analysis of the effects on T- and B-cell proliferation and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in splenic mononuclear cells, and estimation of serum cytokine production by activated T-cells. The main components of the extract, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin, geraniin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid were identified and quantitatively analyzed in the extracts, using validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced neutrophils isolated from rats administered with the extract of P. amarus, at doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg/kg for 14 days, revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction in neutrophil migration (P<0.05). Similar patterns of inhibition were also observed in phagocytic activity and in fMLP-induced changes in expression of β2 integrin polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The results in P. amarus-treated rats also demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of both lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B-cell proliferation and concanavalin A–stimulated T-cell proliferation as compared with sensitized control. At a dose of 400 mg/kg (P<0.01), there was a significant decrease in the (%) expression of CD4+ and CD8+ in splenocytes and in serum cytokines of T helper (Th1) (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4). In conclusion, P. amarus showed effective immunosuppressive activities in cellular immune response, by various immune regulatory mechanisms, and may be useful for improvement of immune-related disorders.

Non-specific cellular defence mechanisms of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in intensive and extensive rearing technologies

Water as a habitat is highly variable in terms of the physico-chemical properties. The aim of the studies was to analyze the quality of the technology by evaluating the non-specific cellular defence potential of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in diversified intensity culture systems and in different periods of the breeding cycle. The evaluation was conducted in order to establish the scientific basis for the development of principles for recognition of the culture of this species as ‘organic’. Six rainbow trout rearing farms were selected for the studies and divided into two equal groups according to the production technology: farms with a flow through system (with single water usage – OOH) and facilities with multiple water usage via its backflow (re-circulating system – RAS). The samples for tests were taken from 20 individuals from each fish farm. In all fish that originated both from OOH-type farms and RAS operations, an increase in the activity of non-specific cellular immunity in the autumn was observed. Statistically significant reduction in the activity of cellular defensive mechanisms in small (300–500 g) and big (501–850 g) fish occurred on two 3-OOH and 3-RAS farms in spring and autumn in 2011. During these periods, the research has shown the presence of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV), which provoked an immune suppression. Based on the obtained results it is concluded that there were no significant differences in the parameters of non-specific cellular immunity in rainbow trout originating from different farming systems OOH and RAS.

Modulation of immunity and gut microbiota after dietary administration of alginate encapsulated Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 to gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.).

The potential benefits of probiotics when administering to fish could improve aquaculture production. The objective of this study was to examine the modulation of immune status and gut microbiota of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) specimens by a probiotic when administered encapsulated. Commercial diet was enriched with Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11, at a concentration of 10(8) cfu g(-1)) before being encapsulated in calcium alginate beads. Fish were fed non-supplemented (control) or supplemented diet for 4 weeks. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks the main humoral and cellular immune parameters were determined. Furthermore, gene expression profile of five immune relevant genes (il1β, bd, mhcIIα, ighm and tcrβ) was studied by qPCR in head kidney. On the other hand, intestinal microbiota of fish was analysed at 7 and 30 days by DGGE. Results demonstrated that administration of alginate encapsulated SpPdp11 has immunostimulant properties on humoral parameters (IgM level and serum peroxidase activity). Although no immunostimulant effects were detected on leucocyte activities, significant increases were detected in the level of mRNA of head-kidney leucocytes for mhcIIα and tcrβ after 4 weeks of feeding the encapsulated-probiotic diet. The administration of SpPdp11 encapsulated in alginate beads produced important changes in the DGGE patterns corresponding to the intestinal microbiota. Predominant bands related to lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus and Lactobacillus strains, were sequenced from the DGGE patterns of fish fed the probiotic diet, whereas they were not sequenced from fish receiving the control diet. The convenience or not of probiotic encapsulation is discussed.

Local immunity of patients with various molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

e12080 Background: The purpose of the study was to assess some parameters of local cellular immunity in luminal A and B, triple negative (TN) and HER2+/neu breast cancer. Methods: Samples of tumor ...

Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) immune status and growth performance

The possible effect of dietary administration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) immune status and growth performance was studied. Fish were divided into 4 groups before being fed with commercial diet supplemented with 0% (control), 1%, 5% and 10% of fenugreek seeds for 4 weeks. The effects of the diets were analysed on the cellular (respiratory burst activity and leucocyte peroxidase content) and humoral (complement activity, antiprotease, total protein, peroxidase, and IgM level) immune parameters, as well as growth and haematological parameters (WBC and RBC counts). The results recorded enhancement in all the assayed parameters in fish fed fenugreek diets comparing to control fish. The expression of several immune-related genes in head-kidney (MHC1, CSF-1R, IL-8, and IgM) and different antioxidant enzyme genes in liver (GR, CAT and SOD) of seabream specimens were also investigated. Again, the highest fenugreek doses tested provoked significant up-regulation in most of immune-related genes and antioxidant enzyme genes (p < 0.05). No adverse effects were observed on intestine and liver morphology on fish fed fenugreek diets. The present results suggest that the fenugreek seed, specially the highest dosage used in the present work could be considered a good food supplement to improve the immune status and increase the production of gilthead seabream.

Inactivated Probiotic Bacteria Stimulate Cellular Immune Responses of Catla, Catla catla (Hamilton) In Vitro.

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro immunostimulatory effects of inactivated form of two potential probiotics, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FPTB16 and B. subtilis FPTB13 in catla (Catla catla). Catla head kidney leukocytes (HK) were incubated with the bacteria alive or inactivated with heat shock (2 h at 60 °C), UV light (for 2.5 h) and formalin (1.0%, v/v) treatment (for 24 h at 4 °C) at different concentrations (10(7), 10(8) and 10(9) cells ml(-1)). After incubation, different cellular immune parameters such as respiratory burst activity, nitric oxide production, leukocyte peroxidase content and proliferative response were analyzed. The inactivated probiotic preparations stimulated all the cellular immune parameters of catla HK leukocytes in vitro. Among the different inactivated preparations, heat-treated form exhibited the best result. The lowest dose (10(7) cells ml(-1)) of both the strains showed the maximum stimulation. The results collectively suggest the efficacy of inactivated preparations to be used as immunostimulant in aquaculture.

Natural immunity factors in Polish mixed breed rabbits.

Mixed-breed rabbits in Poland are widely used for diagnostic and scientific research and as utility animals, therefore there is a need to know their immunological status, as well as their haematological status. In this study natural immunity factors were analyzed in Polish mixed-breed rabbits and Polish mixed-breed rabbits with addition of blood of meet-breed, considering the impact of sex and season of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter) using measurement of non-specific cellular and humoral immunity parameters in peripheral blood. The study has revealed that there is a variety between the two commonly used mixed-breed types of rabbits, especially when sex and season is concerned, which is crucial for using these animals in experiments.

Effects of dihydroquercetin obtained from deodar (Cedrus deodara) on immune status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The use of medicinal plants as prophylactic method in fish is considered safe and a very promising alternative to the use of chemicals in aquaculture practices. The prospective mode of action of dihydroquercetin, fraction of the medical plant deodar (Cedrus deodara), was evaluated on immune status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Fish were divided into 4 groups before being fed for 14 days with commercial diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% of dihydroquercetin. Cellular (phagocytosis and respiratory burst activities) and humoral (seric complement activity, antiprotease, total protein, peroxidase, bactericidal activity and IgM level) immune parameters were investigated. The results recorded enhancement in all the tested parameters and in all the dihydroquercetin supplemented groups compared to the control. Interestingly, the fish received the lowest dose of dihydroquercetin (0.1%) showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.05) in phagocytosis, respiratory burst, IgM level, total protein, complement, antiprotease and bactericidal activities compared to the control. Direct effect of different doses of dihydroquercetin on head-kidney leucocytes was also studied in a previous in vitro assay. Again, the lowest doses tested provoked the highest immune cellular activities, where, the highest phagocytic and respiratory bust activities were recorded in leucocytes incubated with 0.025% and 0.0125% doses, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that low concentrations of dihydroquercetin as food supplements are able to increase the immune status of gilthead seabream.

Assessment of Some Immune Parameters in Occupationally Exposed Nuclear Power Plants Workers: Flowcytometry Measurements of T, B, NK and NKT Cells

The purpose of this article is to analyze the results of a 10-year survey of the radiation effects of some immune parameters of occupationally exposed personnel from the Nuclear Power Plant “Kozloduy”, Bulgaria. 438 persons working in NPP with cumulative doses between 0.06 mSv and 766.36mSv and a control group with 65 persons were studied. Flow cytometry measurements of T, B, natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cell lymphocyte populations were performed. Data were interpreted with regard to cumulative doses, length of service and age. The average values of the studied parameters of cellular immunity were in the reference range relative to age and for most of the workers were not significantly different from the control values. Low doses of ionizing radiation showed some trends of change in the number of CD3+CD4+ helper-inducer lymphocytes, CD3+ CD8+ and NKT cell counts. The observed changes in some of the studied parameters could be interpreted in terms of adaptation processes at low doses. At doses above 100–200 mSv, compensatory mechanisms might be involved to balance deviations in lymphocyte subsets. The observed variations in some cases could not be attributed only to the radiation exposure because of the impact of a number of other exogenous and endogenous factors on the immune system.