Hemolysin Titers Research Articles

Positive Correlation of Body Length with Innate Immune Status and Resistance to <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> Infection In Rohu, <i>Labeo rohita</i>

Full-sib families of rohu (Labeo rohita) of four year-classes viz., 2003 (906 numbers of fish), 2004 (1208 nos.), 2008 (2000 nos.) and 2009 (1355 nos.) were subjected to intraperitoneal Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The fingerlings were tagged individually with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag and total length was measured prior to challenge. The mortality was recorded on an hourly basis for up to 24 h and later over a period of 10 days post-challenge. Mean body length of survived and dead fish were significantly different (p<0.05) in the year-classes 2004, 2008 and 2009, whereas for 2003 there was no marked difference. Positive correlations of 0.004, 0.115 and 0.108 were found between length and survival for 2004, 2008 and 2009 year-classes, respectively. However, the length of 2003 year-class showed a negligible negative correlation (-0.065) with survival. The serum immune parameters viz., haemolysin titre, ceruloplasmin and myeloperoxidase activities analyzed from naïve individuals of each family showed positive correlations with body length of the same family (0.135, 0.290 and 0.109, respectively) in three year-classes i.e., 2003, 2004 and 2009. The positive correlation of length with survival and immune response indicated its possibility to be used as a co-trait for selection for improved resistance to A. hydrophila infection.

Prevalence of alpha and beta haemolysin among blood group O donors in Bamenda, Cameroon.

BackgroundThe occurrence of high titres of alpha (anti-A) and beta (anti-B) haemolysin immunoglobulin G antibodies in blood causes haemolysis during blood transfusion from a group O donor, commonly and inappropriately known as the ‘universal blood donor’, to a group A, B or AB recipient. Surprisingly, haemolysin testing is not routinely done during blood transfusion services in Bamenda, Cameroon.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of haemolysin among blood group ‘O’ donors at the Regional Hospital Bamenda Blood Bank, Bamenda, Cameroon.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out between June and September 2020 at the Regional Hospital Bamenda Blood Bank, Bamenda, Cameroon. Blood group O donors who were free from transfusion-transmissible infections were selected systematically and serially and their serum tested for the presence of haemolysin. Haemolysin titres were determined, and titres ≥ 8 were considered significant. The associations between haemolysin prevalence and age group, gender and Rhesus D blood group were determined using the chi-square test.ResultsThe prevalence of haemolysin among the 480 study participants was 52.1% and significant haemolysin titres were detected in 18.5%. There was no association between haemolysin and gender, age group or the Rhesus D blood group.ConclusionThe prevalence of significant titres of haemolysin among participants in this study was high. There is the need to test for haemolysin in blood group O donors to prevent the potential risk to blood group A, B, and AB recipients and to provide safer blood for transfusion.

Transfusion de sang total : quelle place dans la réanimation du choc hémorragique traumatique ?

La transfusion sanguine s’est développée et a progressé au rythme des conflits militaires. La découverte des groupes sanguins et des règles de compatibilité croisée a permis d’identifier des « donneurs universels ». Le fractionnement du sang total et le stockage différencié de ses différents composants ont permis d’améliorer la sécurité transfusionnelle et la conservation des produits sanguins. 
 Alors que la majorité des décès évitables en traumatologie sont liés à des hémorragies massives, les engagements militaires récents ont mis en évidence l’intérêt d’une réanimation transfusionnelle précoce et ciblée contre la coagulopathie. À la phase aiguë, globules rouges, facteurs de coagulation et plaquettes sont pour cette raison administrés selon une stratégie de ratios transfusionnels. Cette stratégie se heurte à des difficultés logistiques liées aux différentes conditions de conservation de ces produits, à leur délai de délivrance, et à la charge de travail que leur transfusion impose dans le contexte de l’urgence.
 Dans des environnements contraints, le prélèvement et la transfusion de sang total frais est resté une technique de recours qui a montré son intérêt clinique et logistique. Plusieurs équipes civiles et militaires ont démontré la possibilité de conserver à 4° C puis de transfuser du sang total de groupe O faiblement titré en hémolysine, afin d’obtenir une thérapeutique de réanimation transfusionnelle universelle et disponible sans délai.

Modulation of immune response and protective efficacy of recombinant outer-membrane protein F (rOmpF) of Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita

The outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) of Aeromonas hydrophila, an imperative fish pathogen accountable for massive economic losses to aquaculture industry, are found to be immunogenic and considered as potential vaccine candidates. In spite of development in the formulation of vaccine candidates against Aeromonas infection, no commercial preparation has been done so far; in addition, the molecular mechanisms of immunoprotection induced by various vaccine formulations in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, are little known. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the modulation of immunity and expression of immune-related genes post-rOmpF (recombinant outer-membrane protein of A. hydrophila, a novel vaccine candidate) immunization and protective efficacy after A. hydrophila challenge. The rOmpF-immunized fish showed a variable expression of the immune-related genes, viz. toll-like receptor 22 (TLR), complement component 3 (C3), chemokine (CXCa), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and natural killer enhancing factor (NKEF) in the head kidney tissues, when compared to the control group at different time intervals post-vaccination. A significant increase in serum hemolysin titer, ceruloplasmin level and myeloperoxidase activity was observed on day 140 post immunization. Also, bacterial agglutination titer and antiprotease activity were significantly increased on day 42 post immunization. No significant change was observed in lysozyme activity. Challenge studies with live A. hydrophila on day 140 post-immunization of L. rohita significantly increased the relative percentage survival (∼44%) in the vaccinated group. The results suggest that the rOmpF could be used as a potential vaccine candidate to combat A. hydrophila infection in fish.

ВПЛИВ ГРИБА GANODERMA LUCIDUM (CURT.:FR.) P. KARST. НА ГУМОРАЛЬНУ ІМУННУ ВІДПОВІДЬ У МИШЕЙ ЛІНІЇ CBA/CA З ВТОРИННИМ ІМУНОДЕФІЦИТОМ

<p><strong>INFLUENCE OF MUSHROOM GANODERMA LUCIDUM (CURT.: FR.) P. KARST. ON THE HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN MICE LINE CBA / Ca WITH SECONDARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY.</strong></p><p><strong>V.T. Pidchenko*, I.V. Nizhenkovska*, N.G. Bychkova*, N.A. Bisko**, A.Y. Rodnichenko***</strong></p><p>*Bogomolets National medical university, Kyiv</p><p>**M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany NASU, Kyiv</p><p>***The State Institute of Genetic and Regenerative MedicineNAMSUkraine, Kyiv</p><p> </p><p><strong>Summary:</strong> The article shows the results of the investigation of the influence of biomass powder of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum on the humoral immune response in mice line CBA / Ca in terms of the simulated secondary immunodeficiency. To simulate the immunodeficiency was used the immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide, which was administered once a dose of 150 mg / kg, intraperitoneally, the first day of the experiment. Results of the study show that the application of Ganoderma Lucidum biomass powder in mice line CBA / Ca with induced immune deficiency, causes a significant increase in the number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and antibody levels in serum.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> Ganoderma lucidum, humoral immune response, cyclophosphamide, immunodeficiency.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Introduction.</strong> Searching and development of remedies of natural origin is an actual problem today. In recent decades, basidiomycetes and biologically active substances extracted from them, attracted attention of scientists in Asia andNorth America. Ganoderma lucidum, a native biosidiomycetous fungus, has been used inChina,Japan andKorea to prevent and treat bronchitis, chronic hepatitis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, tumor growth and immunological disorders for over 2000 years. The influence of biomass powder of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, grown by submerged cultivation, at various immunity in immunodeficient conditions is not studied. Therefore the aim of our study was to determine the influence of biomass powder of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum on humoral immune response in mice with secondary immunodeficiency in vivo.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> The biomass of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum was grown by submerged cultivation. To simulate the immunodeficiency was used the immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide, which was administered once a dose of 150 mg / kg, intraperitoneally, the first day of the experiment. The number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and antibody levels in serum were discovered. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Student`s t-test.<strong></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Results and discussion.</strong></p><p>The introduction of biomass powder of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum for 10 days to mice line CBA / Ca with secondary experimental immunodeficiency causes a significant increase in the number of cells in femur.</p><p>The recovery of thymus weight, relative thymus weight, thymus settlement index and number of lymphoid cells in the organ to the level of data in a group of control mice after the administration of biomass powder was not found.</p><p>The introduction of biomass powder of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum to mice line CBA / Ca with secondary experimental immunodeficiency causes a significant increase in the relative number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen in 2 times, the absolute number of antibody-producing cells in 2,1 times compared with the group of mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The antibody levels increase in 6,7 times (hemolysin titer) and 2,4 times (hemagglutinin titer).</p><p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Thus, the results of the study show that the introduction of biomass powder fungus Ganoderma lucidum to mice line CBA / Ca with secondary experimental immunodeficiency causes a significant increase in the number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and antibody levels in serum, which may indicate the immunomodulatory effect of biomass powder of fungus Ganoderma lucidum on humoral immune response.</p>

Poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolic Acid (PLGA)-encapsulated CpG-oligonucleotide (ODN) on Immune Response in Cyprinus carpio against Aeromonas hydrophila

The effect of Poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) encapsulated ODN 1668 nanospheres (NS) on innate and adaptive immune response in common carp, Cyprinus carpio against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. PLGAencapsulated ODN biodegradable NS did not have a significant impact on particle size as expected of the particles was clearly positive for non-coated and coated PLGA/ODN NS. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and serum haemolysin titre significantly increased in fish injected with ODN 1668 and PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 groups on week 4 whereas the respiratory burst (RB) activity significantly increased when administered with ODN 1668 and PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 (PLGA-ODN 1668) from weeks 1 to 4. The haemoagglutinating titre was significantly enhanced in PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 group on week 2 while in ODN 1668 and PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 groups the increase manifested on week 4. The bacterial agglutination titre significantly increased in ODN 1668 and PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 groups on weeks 2 and 4. The cumulative mortality in ODN 1668 and PLGAencapsulated ODN 1668 groups were 10% each whereas it was 15% in PLGA group. This study indicates that single administration of PLGA-encapsulated ODN 1668 nanospheres elicits better immune response than PLGA or ODN 1668 alone in C. carpio against A. hydrophila.

Immune responses and protective efficacy of recombinant outer membrane protein R (rOmpR)-based vaccine of Aeromonas hydrophila with a modified adjuvant formulation in rohu (Labeo rohita)

Despite the importance and success of developing a candidate vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in fish, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the vaccine-induced immunoprotection in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, primarily due to lack of information on most of the immune related genes of the species. In this study, a novel candidate antigen recombinant outer membrane protein R (rOmpR) of A. hydrophila was evaluated as a vaccine candidate along with a modified adjuvant formulation. Protective efficacy of the rOmpR immunization was assessed in terms of survival against A. hydrophila challenge as well as modulation of immune response in vaccinated fish after 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 h and 10 days post-injection (using immune gene expression analysis) and 10, 28, 56 and 140 days post-injection (serum immune parameter analysis). The generated immune response was compared with a formalin-killed A. hydrophila antigen preparation using mineral oil only and modified adjuvant alone. We report a variable up-regulation of the immune-related genes viz., lysozyme G, complement factor 4, immunoglobulin M, β2-microglobulin, major histocompatibility complex I and II, and interleukin-1β in anterior kidney and spleen tissues at early time points post-immunization in all the groups, when compared to the control fish. The vaccinated fish also showed an increase in serum natural hemolysin titer, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities, and antibody titer irrespective of vaccine formulations as compared to control fish on days 10, 28 and 56. However, the increase in the serum parameters was more pronounced on day 140 in rOmpR-modified adjuvant injected group, indicating the modulatory role of this new vaccine formulation. Upon challenge with live A. hydrophila on days 56 and 140 post-immunization, significantly reduced percent mortality was noted in the group immunized with modified adjuvant based rOmpR vaccine formulation. Taken together, our results suggest that rOmpR along with modified adjuvant could potentially be used as a vaccine formulation to handle A. hydrophila infection on a long-term basis.

Staphylococcus Aureus Infection of the Rabbit Cornea Following Topical Administration

Purpose: To determine the ability of diverse S. aureus strains to infect the rabbit cornea following topical inoculation, with special emphasis on a strain of unusual virulence.Materials and Methods: S. aureus strains (5 × 105 colony forming units; CFU) were topically applied onto scarified rabbit corneas or 100 CFU were intrastromally injected into rabbit corneas. Eyes were scored by slit lamp examination (SLE) and corneas were cultured to determine the log CFU. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were quantified by myeloperoxidase assays and corneas underwent histopathological analysis. Hemolysin titers of S. aureus strains were determined and S. aureus interactions with rabbit tears or human corneal epithelial cells were investigated.Results: All strains injected into the cornea produced high SLE scores and multi-log increases in CFU. Following topical inoculation, four strains produced low SLE scores with no bacterial replication. One strain (UMCR1) topically infected the cornea, causing high SLE scores, extensive PMN infiltration, and multi-log increases in CFU. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated a PMN influx into the UMCR1-infected cornea, destruction of the corneal epithelium, and severe edema. Strain UMCR1 did not demonstrate a high hemolysin titer or resistance to the bactericidal activity of rabbit tears, but did invade human corneal epithelial cells with relatively high efficiency.Conclusions: One S. aureus strain demonstrated the ability to topically infect the rabbit cornea. This strain was previously found to be unique in its ability to infect the anterior chamber and conjunctiva, suggesting that a key mechanism may be employed to overcome the host defenses of these three ocular sites.

The Characteristics of ABO Antibodies in Group O Thai Blood Donors

This study aimed to characterize anti-A and anti-B hemolysins, IgM, and IgG titers in Thai blood donors. Altogether, 300 serum samples from group O donors at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, were screened for anti-A and anti-B hemolysins and treated with 0.01 M dithiothreitol to characterize IgM and IgG titers by standard tube technique. Antibody titers were compared with hemolysis grade. Male and female ratio = 1:1.3 and ages ranged from 17 to 60 years. The overall prevalence of anti-A and anti-B hemolysins was 69%. Anti-A and anti-B hemolysins comprised 18.3% and 16.7%, respectively and 34% had both antibodies. High titers of anti-A hemolysins were associated with females (P< 0.05), and only anti-B IgM titers were associated with age (P< 0.05). Interestingly, the association of anti-A IgM titers, anti-A IgG titers, and hemolysin grade was demonstrated (P< 0.05). A significant association between hemolysin grade and anti-B IgM titers was found (P< 0.05). The prevalence of anti-A and anti-B hemolysins and high titers of IgM and IgG in Thais are high. Hemolysin grade showed significant associations with IgM titers; therefore, when providing ABO-incompatible platelet transfusion, especially for female plateletpheresis donors, IgM high titers of anti-A and anti-B screening is suggested.

Selection for improved resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Indian major carp Labeo rohita: Survival and innate immune responses in first generation of resistant and susceptible lines

Selection for disease resistance in fish may be performed directly on basis of survival data obtained in controlled challenge trials, or indirectly using information from immunological or molecular markers linked to differential survival. In the present study, several key innate immune parameters were measured in aeromoniasis resistant and susceptible lines of rohu Labeo rohita to assess their suitability as immune markers for use in indirect selection for increased resistance. Experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila (9.55 × 10 6 cfu g −1 fish) through the intraperitoneal route produced higher survival in the resistant line (73.33%) as compared to the susceptible line (16.67%). Blood and liver tissue samples from both lines were collected to study some of the innate immune parameters and immune-related gene expression. The respiratory burst activity of blood phagocytes, serum myeloperoxidase activity and ceruloplasmin level were significantly ( p < 0.05) higher in the resistant line compared to the susceptible line. Lower level of blood glucose and serum natural haemolysin titre were marked in the resistant line as compared to the susceptible line. No significant difference was measured in total serum protein concentration, antiprotease activity and bacterial agglutinin level between two lines, while the expression of transferrin, complement factor C3 and TLR 22-like transcripts were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in liver samples of the susceptible line. However, no such difference was found in β 2-microglobulin and lysozyme gene expression between lines. The study demonstrated the possibility of using some of the investigated innate immune parameters as indirect marker traits for selection for improved resistance to aeromoniasis in rohu.

Characterization of a natural hemolysin in the serum of a hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus (Crustacea: Decapoda)

A naturally occurring hemolysin (HL) was detected in the serum of the hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus using mammalian RBC as indicator cells. The serum gave the highest HL titer with rabbit RBC. Cross adsorption of C. longitarsus serum with fixed rabbit RBC resulted in the complete removal of the lytic activity from the serum. The hemolytic activity in the serum of C. longitarsus was independent of divalent cations, reversibly sensitive to EDTA, thermolabile, stable between the pH 6-8. Further studies demonstrated that the HL activity is proteinaceous as it was precipitable by conventional deproteinizing agents and susceptible to the action of proteases and 2-mercapthoethanol. The HL-inhibition assay performed with several carbohydrates (mono, di, oligo, polysaccharides and Lipo polysaccharides) revealed that the serum HL was capable of specifically recognizing laminarin (a homopolymer of β 1, 3-glucan). Thus this hemolysin appears to be unique among all the known crustacean hemolysins.

족도리풀 뿌리의 메탄올엑스 분획이 마우스의 세포성 및 체액성 면역반응에 미치는 영향

The effects of Asiasarum Root on the cell mediated and humoral immune responses were investigated in ICR mice. ICR mice received intraperitoneal injection of methanol extracts (ether fraction, butanol fraction, water fraction) for 5 days before sensitization. The change of body weight (%), the organ weight ratio (%), the numbers of RBC and WBC, the ear swelling by dinitrofluorobenzene, the titers of hemagglutination (HA) and hemolysin (HY) to SRBC were determined. The results were as follows; 1. The change of body weight (%) showed a tendency of increasing. 2. The weight of spleen (%) decreased. 3. Ear swelling was maximum at 48 hours after challenge and was significantly decreased in the groups. 4. The numbers of RBC and WBC were decreased. 5. HA and HY titers were decreased.

Family association between immune parameters and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita

Seven innate immune parameters were investigated in 64 full-sib families (the offspring of 64 sires and 45 dams) from two year-classes of farmed rohu carp ( Labeo rohita). Survival rates were also available from Aeromonas hydrophila infection (aeromoniasis) recorded in controlled challenge tests on a different sample of individuals from the same families. Due to strong confounding between the animal additive genetic effect and the family effects (common environmental + non-additive genetic), reliable additive (co)variance components and hence heritabilities and genetic correlations could not be obtained for the investigated parameters. Therefore, estimates of the association of challenge test survival with the studied immune parameters were obtained as product moment correlations between family least square means. These correlations revealed statistically significant ( p < 0.05) negative correlations of survival with bacterial agglutination titre (−0.48), serum haemolysin titre (−0.29) and haemagglutination titre (−0.34); and significant positive correlation with ceruloplasmin level (0.51). The correlations of survival to aeromoniasis with myeloperoxidase activity, superoxide production and lysozyme activity were found to be not significantly different from zero ( p > 0.05). Assuming that the negatively correlated candidate traits are not favourable as indirect selection criteria, the results suggest that ceruloplasmin level could potentially be a marker for resistance to aeromoniasis in rohu. The use of this immune parameter as an indirect selection criterion for increased resistance to aeromoniasis in rohu will, however, require that the parameter shows significant additive genetic variation and a significant genetic correlation with survival. Further studies are therefore needed to obtain a reliable heritability estimate for ceruloplasmin and its genetic correlation with survival from aeromoniasis.

Humoral responses of congenital immunity in the starfish Asterias rubens

The work presents analysis of changes of humoral protective factors in the starfish Asterias rubens in response to injection of human erythrocytes (HE). The total protein concentration and the titers of hemagglutinins and hemolysins in starfish coelomic fluid, as well as the time of human hemoglobin elimination from circulation were estimated for 6–144 h of the experiment. The hemagglutinin titer was determined in hemagglutination reactions, the hemolysin titer—in hemolysis reaction. Time of human hemoglobin elimination from coelomic fluid was determined in a color enzymatic reaction. The starfish coelomic fluid was revealed to contain soluble factors that are able to interact with antigen— antibody complexes of mammals and have an opsonizing activity. It is established that injection of HE does not change the total protein concentration per 1 ml coelomic fluid, but affects dynamics of changes of the hemagglutinins titer. Time of hemoglobin elimination from circulation does not exceed 24 h. Humoral factors of coelomic fluid of the starfish Asterias rubens play an auxiliary role in congenital immunity reactions.

Immune responses in different fullsib families of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, exhibiting differential resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Selection of fish disease resistance may be performed directly via survival and challenge data or indirectly via the identification of the underlying resistance markers responsible for the differential survival. In a preliminary study, the potential correlation of a variety of specific and nonspecific immune parameters with aeromoniasis resistance was investigated in 13 different fullsib families of rohu ( Labeo rohita), one of the important Indian major carp species known to exhibit differential susceptibilities to aeromoniasis in laboratory conditions. The experimental infection of fish through the intraperitoneal route to Aeromonas hydrophila produced mortality ranging from 0 to 100%. The specific immune response as measured through haemagglutination (HA) titre against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and nonspecific immunity levels (lysozyme activity and natural haemolysin titre) were not found to be significantly different between resistant and susceptible groups. Serum bactericidal activity was found to be higher in groups of rohu resistant to A. hydrophila infection. Nevertheless, significant ( P<0.05) positive correlation between serum bactericidal activity and aeromoniasis was observed. Based on the observations, bactericidal activity appears to play a role in resistance against A. hydrophila infection.

Dietary bovine lactoferrin induces changes in immunity level and disease resistance in Asian catfish Clarias batrachus

The effects of including bovine lactoferrin (Lf) in the diet of the Asian catfish (Clarias batrachus) on specific and non-specific immunity as well as disease resistance were investigated. The catfish were fed four different diets for 2 weeks: a commercial diet as control and the same diet supplemented with 50, 100 and 200mgbovineLf/kg feed. After 1 and 2 weeks, serum bacterial agglutination titre against Aeromonas hydrophila as a measure of specific immunity; natural serum haemolysin titre, lysozyme activity and oxidative radical production by neutrophils as a measure of non-specific immunity as well as disease resistance against A. hydrophila challenge to vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals were evaluated. The results showed that Lf supplements, particularly at 100mg level, significantly (P<0.05) enhanced serum lysozyme level, oxidative radical production and level of protection against A. hydrophila challenge in non-vaccinated animals irrespective of length of exposure. The specific immunity was not influenced by Lf feeding as evidenced from the bacterial agglutination titre and level of protection in vaccinated animals. As Lf feeding at 100mg/kg for 1 week is able to enhance the non-specific immunity and disease resistance of catfish efficiently, these results support the possible use of Lf as an immunostimulant for farmed catfish.

Immunostimulating activity of synthetic bursopeptides.

Biologically active peptides bursopeptide-1 (Tyr-Glu-Glu) and bursopeptide-2 (Trp-Thr-Ala-Glu-Glu-Lys-Gln-Leu) from the bursa of Fabricius were isolated and synthesized. Bursopeptide-1 stimulated expression of B cell differentiation antigens in lymphocyte culture from patients with burns. Bursopeptide-2 produced a variety of effects and stimulated expression of differentiation antigens on T and B cells and natural killer cells. Bursopeptides can modulate the mechanisms of interleukin-2-mediated lymphocyte activation. Bursopeptides stimulated the immune response in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficiency, which manifested in increased hemagglutinin and hemolysin titers and increased count of antibody-producing cells in the spleen.

Immunomodulation by dietary vitamin C in healthy and aflatoxin B 1-induced immunocompromised rohu ( Labeo rohita)

The aim of this study was to examine the immunomodulatory effect of high levels of dietary vitamin C in healthy and immunocompromised rohu ( Labeo rohita) treated with aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1). Four groups of rohu were fed experimental diets containing either no vitamin C or supplemented with vitamin C at 500 ppm for 60 days. On the first day of feeding, one group fed the high vitamin C diet and one fed the vitamin C deficient diet, were injected intraperitoneally with a single doses of AFB 1 at 1.25 mg kg −1 body weight. The effect of AFB 1 and high dietary vitamin C on specific and non-specific immunity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila were examined in the rohu. The ability of vitamin C to counteract immunosuppression induced by AFB 1 was also examined. Specific immunity indicated by haemagglutination and haemolysin titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and bacterial agglutination appeared to be unaffected by either the AFB 1 treatment or the vitamin C enriched diet. A significant reduction was observed in the non-specific immunity of AFB 1-treated fish, however, indicated by lowered bactericidal and lysozyme activities. High dietary vitamin C, on the other hand, enhanced the non-specific immunity of fish, including an enhanced phagocytic ratio and increased serum lysozyme activity. Feeding a high level of dietary vitamin C to AFB 1-treated fish increased these parameters to levels similar to those found in control fish. High dietary vitamin C significantly ( p<0.05) enhanced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in both healthy and immunocompromised fish. Results from this study help to establish the beneficial effect of dietary vitamin C on AFB 1-induced immunosuppression, as well as confirming the immunostimulatory effect of vitamin C in rohu.

Immunotoxicity of cupravit and previcur fungicides in mice

Female mice received either cupravit or previcur at dose levels of 300 ppm and 1000 ppm, respectively, for 8 weeks. Humoral immune response was evaluated by measuring the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response and hemolysing antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), a T lymphocyte-dependent antigen. In addition, the hemagglutinating antibody titers against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a T cell-independent antigen, were determined. Both cupravit and previcur suppressed the PFC response by 74% and 78% of control values, respectively. The primary hemolysin antibody titers were reduced to 62% and 76% of control values, respectively. The hemagglutinating antibody titers were decreased to 66% and 77% of control values, respectively. Memory function was reduced as evidenced by inhibition of secondary hemolysin titers to SRBCs. Cell-mediated immunity was inhibited by both cupravit and previcur as evidenced by reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to tuberculin to 77% and 76% of control values, respectively. Decreases in total leukocytic and lymphocytic counts were recorded together with histopathological changes in spleen and thymus gland of intoxicated animals.

Evaluation of the ligand specificity of hemolymph hemoagglutinins and hemolysins of gastropod and bivalve molluscs

The study deals with evaluation of ligand specificities of hemoagglutinins and hemolysins of hemolymph of three species of gastropods(Planorbius corneus, Lymnaea stagnalis, andAchatina fulica) and one species of bivalve molluscs(Anodonta cygnea). The hemoagglutinin titer was estimated from hemoagglutination reaction, the hemolysin titer, spectrophotometrically, from release of hemoglobin from sheep erythrocytes. The ligand specificity of hemoagglutinins and hemolysins was evaluated by an inhibitory modification of the hemoagglutination reaction. It has been shown that hemoagglutinins and hemolysins of pulmonary gastropod molluscs have different spectra of ligand specificity to the substances of the carbohydrate nature. Hemoagglutinins and hemolysins of the bivalve molluscAnodonta cygnea have the same spectrum of ligand specificity. Among the ligands of these lectins, terminal N-acetylated sugars and monosaccharides predominate. Components of bacterial cell walls, lipopolysaccharide and phosphorylcholine, have been revealed among specific ligands of hemolymph hemoagglutinins and hemolysins.