Increase In Total Leukocyte Count Research Articles

Radioprotective Role of Selenium after Single-Dose Radioiodine (131I) Exposure to Red Blood Cells of Rats

The present study elucidated the protective potential of selenium following ¹³¹I-induced alterations in rat blood. Forty rats were segregated into 4 groups. Animals in Group I served as normal controls, Group II animals were injected with a single dose of 3.7 Mbq of ¹³¹I (carrier free), Group III animals were supplemented with selenium (1 ppm), and Group IV animals were given a combined treatment of selenium and ¹³¹I. ¹³¹I treatment of rats showed significant increases in total leukocyte counts (TLCs), lymphocytes, and neutrophils (monocytes and eosinophils were not recorded). These were significantly restored upon supplementation of selenium. Lipid peroxidase (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) were found to be enhanced following ¹³¹I treatment. However, the levels of catalase were found to be decreased. Selenium administration to ¹³¹I-treated rats resulted in significant restoration of these enzyme activities. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies also revealed various surface deformities in erythrocytes after ¹³¹I treatment, which upon supplementation with selenium were significantly restored. In conclusion, selenium may prove to be an effective radioprotector following ¹³¹I treatment.

Monitoring biological and psychological measures throughout an entire season in male handball players

The aim of this study was to monitor biological markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, mood states, and recovery-stress states throughout an entire season in male handball players. Fourteen handball players (age 20.1±2.5 years) with a regular training and competitive background in handball (11.0±3.7 years) from the same club volunteered to participate. All participants completed 40 weeks of training. The training load was increased progressively throughout the season. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires were administered during preparatory, competitive, and recovery periods. Blood C-reactive protein and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations increased during periods of high load, while the reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) decreased. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in total leukocyte count. Positive correlations were found between C-reactive protein, GSSG, GSH/GSSG ratio, and training load. No changes were observed in the Total Mood Disturbance score of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). However, scores on some Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes subscales, such as Injury, Physical Recovery, and Being in Shape, correlated with training load. Findings indicate that during periods of high training load, handball players developed a low grade of inflammation and oxidative state. Results support the usefulness of monitoring psychological and biological markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and training load during season.

Immunomodulation of mice blood cells following treatment with free extract of Lactobacillus acidophilus cell

A study aimed to examine immunomodulatory effect of concentrated cell free filtrate (CCF) of Lactobacillus acidophilus on immune system of mice by detecting the total and absolute counts of leucocytes. It was shown that CCF of Lactobacillus acidophilus caused a significant increase in total leucocyte count for all concentrations used in comparison with negative control. However, in absolute leucocyte counts the, CCF of L.acidophilus at doses (500 , 750) mg/kg caused a significant increased in lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts, while there was no significant differences in eosinophils and basophil cells number of mice treated with bacterial filtrate. The interaction study showed that the post-treatment with CCF of L. acidophilus caused a significant increase in total leucocytes count and absolute counts of all types of leucocyte cells except basophils and esinophils which showed no significant differences in comparison with pre-treatment

Radioprotective Effects of Quercetin and Ethanolic Extract of Propolis in Gamma-Irradiated Mice

The aim of this study was to assess radioprotective effects of quercetin and the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) in CBA mice exposed to a single radiation dose 4 Gy (60Co). The mice were treated with 100 mg kg(-1) quercetin or EEP a day for three consecutive days either before (pre-treatment) or after gamma-irradiation (therapy). Leukocyte count was determined in blood drawn from the tail vein, and DNA damage in leukocytes was assessed using the alkaline comet assay. Genotoxic effects of the test compounds were also evaluated in non-irradiated mice. The levels of radioprotection provided by both test compounds were compared with those established in mice that were given chemical radioprotector S-(2-aminoethy1)isothiouronium bromide hydrobromide (AET). Mice that received pre-treatment were less sensitive to irradiation. Mice given the post-irradiation therapy showed a slight but not significant increase in total leukocyte count over irradiated negative control. Quercetin showed better protective properties than EEP in both pre-treatment and therapy, and activated a higher number of leukocytes in non-irradiated mice. The alkaline comet assay suggests that both natural compounds, especially when given as pre-treatment, protect against primary leukocyte DNA damage in mice. At tested concentrations, EEP and quercetin were not genotoxic to non-irradiated mice. AET, however, caused a slight but not significant increase in DNA damage. Although the results of this study show the radioprotective potential of the test compounds, further investigation is needed to clarify the underlying protection mechanisms.

Methomyl induced hematological and biochemical alterations – protection by vitamin E

The present study was planned to evaluate the role of vitamin E, if any, in attenuating the methomyl induced hematological and biochemical alterations in blood of male wistar rats. Animals, in the weight range of 130–150 g, were administered methomyl orally in drinking water at a sub-acute dose level of 4 mg/kg body weight on alternate days for a duration of one month, vitamin E was administered intraperitoneally to normal or methomyl treated rats on alternate days as a pretreatment for a week at a dose level of 50 mg/kg body weight and subsequently for a further period of one month. Methomyl treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes. On the contrary, reduced Glutathione levels (GSH) and the activities of catalase, Glutathione- S-transferase (GST) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) were found to be significantly decreased. Methomyl treatment caused a significant increase in total leukocyte counts (TLC), platelet, neutrophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte and monocyte counts. Scanning Electron Micrographs showed significant morphological changes, which included spherocytosis and poikilocytosis. However, vitamin E supplementation to methomyl treated rats significantly decreased the raised levels of LPO whereas it caused a significant increase in GSH levels. Also, vitamin E supplementation could significantly elevate the activities of catalase GSHPx, GST and resulted in the normalization of SOD activity. Vitamin E supplementation also proved to be effective in significantly decreasing the already raised values of TLC and lymphocytes counts and almost normalized the platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes counts. Further, vitamin E supplementation improved the morphology of the red blood cells. The study, therefore, concludes that vitamin E can effectively mitigate most of the adverse effects induced by methomyl in rat blood.

Effect of folic Acid on hematological changes in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of folic acid on homocysteine, lipid profile and hematological changes in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced by methionine (1 g/kg, p.o.) administration for 30 days. Biochemical and hematological observations were further substantiated with histopathological examination. The increase in homocysteine, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides levels with reduction in the levels of high density lipoprotein in serum were the salient features observed in methionine treated toxicologic control rats (i.e. group II). Hematological observations of the peripheral blood smears of toxicologic rats also showed crenation of red blood cells membrane and significant (P<0.01) increase in total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count and platelet counts with significant (P<0.01) decrease in the mean hemoglobin levels, as compared to vehicle control rats. Administration of folic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days to methionine- induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats produced a significant (P< 0.01) decrease in the levels of homocysteine, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides with significant (P< 0.01) increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in serum when compared with toxicologic control rats. The present study, for the first time, investigates the effect of folic acid treatment on hematological changes in rats with methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia.

Administration of lipopolysaccharide increases specific and non-specific immune parameters and survival in carp ( Cyprinus carpio) infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

Relative percent survival (RPS) and immunomodulating effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were studied in Cyprinus carpio against the bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila. A virulent strain of A. hydrophila was isolated from previously infected fish. LPS was extracted from the virulent A. hydrophila and characterized by SDS-PAGE analysis. Different concentrations of LPS (10, 50 and 100 µg/fish, 15, 75 and 150 µg ml − 1 , 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5%) were administered to test animals on days 1, 7 and 14 through intraperitoneal injection (i.p.), bathing and oral routes, respectively. Control and test animals were challenged with LD 50 concentration of A. hydrophila by i.p. on day 16, mortality determined and RPS calculated. Intraperitoneal injection of 50 and 100 µg of LPS/fish and 150 µg of LPS ml − 1 through bathing significantly enhanced the RPS; oral administration did not influence the RPS rate. Test animals injected with 100 µg of LPS showed significant increase in total leucocyte count and an increase in the population of monocytes and neutrophils. Superoxide anion production by kidney macrophages and secondary immune response against A. hydrophila following vaccination were also elevated. RT-PCR and northern blot analysis of interleukin-1 mRNA showed elevated expression in kidney macrophages on day 16 in fish injected with 50 and 100 µg of LPS/fish, which presumably aided efficient killing of the bacterial pathogen. However, oral administration of LPS did not protect the animals from A. hydophila infection. Classical and alternative complement pathways were not affected by LPS administration by any of the three routes. LPS administration through injection and bathing effectively stimulates the non-specific cellular as well as secondary immune response and offers protection against A. hydrophila infection in carps.

Effect of Rosuvastatin on Methionine‐Induced Hyperhomocysteinaemia and Haematological Changes in Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of rosuvastatin on methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinaemia and haematological changes in albino rats. Methionine (1 g/kg, orally) administration to pathogenic control rats (i.e. group II) for 30 days significantly (P < 0.01) increased the levels of homocysteine, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) and decreased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum. Haematological observations of the peripheral blood smears of pathogenic rats (i.e. group II) fed with methionine also showed crenation of red blood cells cell membrane and significant (P < 0.01) increase in total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count and platelet counts with significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the mean haemoglobin levels as compared to vehicle control rats (group I). Administration of rosuvastatin (0.5 mg/kg/day, orally) to hyperhomocysteinaemic rats for 30 days significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the levels of homocysteine, TC, TGs, LDL-C, VLDL-C and increased the levels of HDL-C in serum. The present results provide clear evidence that oral treatment with rosuvastatin produces homocysteine and lipid lowering activity and also reversal of haematological changes induced by methionine in rats.

THE EFFECT OF DICTYOCAULUS FILARIA AND PROTOSTRONGYLUS RUFESCENS ON SOME CLINICAL FINDINGS, HEMATOLOGICAL PICTURE AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SHEEP AT QENA GOVERNORATE

This study was carried out on lungworms infested sheep of different ages, sexes and localities at Qena governorate. 33 sheep were infested with lungworm of which 28 sheep infested with large lungworms Dictyocaulus filaria and 5 sheep infested with small lungworms Protostrongylus nifescens. Also, 45 animals of different ages and sexes were proven to be healthy by clinical and laboratory means and used as control for the work The infested sheep were assured for infestations through fecal analysis by Vida technique. The clinical examinations of the infested sheep in this study revealed variations in the severity and duration of symptoms. The most prominent signs were coughing which was severe and deep appeared in form of persistent paroxysmal bouts, tachypnea, dyspnea, nasal discharges which were scanty serous or mucopurulent in some cases, auscultation on the chest revealed increase of vesicular murmurs and other infested cases showed moist rales , The respiratory rate and pulse ra.te revealed significant increase in infested sheep rather than the healthy ones while the body temperature was normal in most cases. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from each sheep for examination of some haematological and biochemical parameters. The haematological investigations for the infested sheep revealed marked decrease In the values of RBCs, Hb and PCV for erythrogrm. However, the leukogram showed significant increase in total leukocytic count due to eosinophilia and neutrophilia accompanied with lymphopenia. The biochemical profile showed significant increase in serum total proteins and globulin levels, significant decrease in A/G ratio and no marked changes in albumin levels between the infested and healthy animal groups.

Zinc improves antioxidative enzymes in red blood cells and hematology in lithium-treated rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective role of zinc in attenuating the adverse effects induced by lithium in blood of female Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats received lithium in the form of lithium carbonate in diet at a dose level of 1.1 g/kg diet, zinc alone in the form of zinc sulfate in drinking water at a dose level of 227 mg/L drinking water, or lithium plus zinc treatments in the combined group for a total duration of 2 months. Effects of the treatments were studied on antioxidant defense system, various hematologic parameters, and percentage of (65)Zn-specific activity. Lithium treatment resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels but caused a significant decrease in reduced glutathione levels and the activities of catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. Lithium treatment also caused a significant decrease in the activities of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and Na(+) K(+) adenosine triphosphatase. However, it resulted in a significant increase in total leukocyte counts, neutrophils, and lymphocyte counts as well as zinc protoporphyrin levels, whereas a significant decrease in counts of monocytes, eosinophils, and percentage specific activity of (65)Zn in blood and its various fractions was noticed. Furthermore, lithium treatment caused a significant decrease in serum zinc levels. However, zinc supplementation to lithium-treated rats effectively raised the reduced glutathione levels and also normalized lipid peroxidation and the activities of antioxidative enzymes, which included catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, zinc supplementation could raise the activities of the enzymes aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and Na(+) K(+) adenosine triphosphatase as well as the percentage uptake values of (65)Zn in blood and its fractions. The study suggests that zinc, as a nutritional supplement, has the potential in attenuating most of the adverse effects induced by lithium in rat blood.

Kinetics of Human and Murine Mobilization of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Response to AMD3100.

The CXCR4-SDF-1 axis possesses a central role in the trafficking and retention of both normal and malignant stem cells in the bone marrow. Previous work from our laboratory established that in a murine model, a single dose of the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, sensitizes AML blasts to chemotherapy supporting the premise that the interaction between AML blasts and the marrow microenvironment confers resistance to genotoxic stress (Nervi et al., ASH 2006). Here we examine the effects of repetitive dosing of AMD3100 on the kinetics of normal and leukemic mobilization. Following SQ injection of AMD3100 5mg/kg into B6/129 F1 mice daily for 5 days (n=8), we observed a 2.4 fold increase in total leukocyte counts with a 12.4 increase in CFU-GM when compared to 3 hours post injection (Fig 1A). No differences were seen in the degree of mobilization between d1 and d5 with WBC and CFU-GM counts returning to baseline after 24 hours. We next tested repetitive doses of AMD3100 in our mouse model of AML in which 106 blasts derived from leukemic mice carrying the PML-RARα fusion gene in the murine cathepsin G locus are adoptively transferred into genetically compatible secondary recipients. AMD3100 at 5mg/kg was then administered to these AML mice for 4 consecutive days. At 3 hrs post AMD3100 injection, we observed a 1.8 fold increase in peripheral leukocyte counts with a 4.5 fold increase in circulating blasts compared to baseline (n=3). Again, no significant differences are seen in the degree of mobilization from d1 to d4 (Fig 1B). Based on these preclinical data, we have initiated a phase I/II trial of AMD3100 plus mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine (MEC) in relapsed or refractory AML in which AMD3100 is administered 4 hours prior to MEC daily for 5 consecutive days. To study the kinetics of human AML mobilization, we administered AMD3100 by SQ injection followed by 24hr observation period prior to chemotherapy. Two patients have been treated at the first dose level of AMD3100, 80 μg/kg. In pt #1 following AMD3100 mobilization, total WBC increased from 3 × 103/mm3 to a peak of 17 × 103/mm3 at 6 hours post-AMD3100 representing a 5.7 fold increase in total white count (Fig 2). In addition, the blasts (CD45dim, SSlow) increased by 7.3 fold. Similarly in pt #2, we observed a 2 fold increase in the total WBC from 2.5 to 5.1 × 103/mm3 with a 2.3 fold increase in blasts (CD45dim, SSlow). Mobilization of AML was confirmed in both patients through informative FISH for 11q23 (MLL). No adverse events have been observed during mobilization. These data provide the preclinical rationale for repetitive dosing of AMD3100 and direct clinical evidence that AMD3100 mobilizes human AML blasts into the peripheral circulation. Our trial of AMD3100 plus MEC in relapsed or refractory AML is ongoing. Figure 1. AMD3100 induced mobilization of (A) normal progenitors and (B) AML blasts Figure 1. AMD3100 induced mobilization of (A) normal progenitors and (B) AML blasts Figure 2. AMD3100 mobilization of human AML Figure 2. AMD3100 mobilization of human AML

Repeated administration of diphenyl ditelluride induces hematological disorders in rats

In the present study, we investigated potential toxic effects of diphenyl ditelluride, as measured by biochemical and hematological parameters. Rats were given a daily dose of 0.3 μmol/kg diphenyl ditelluride by subcutaneous route and sacrificed at different times (24 and 48 h). Hepatic and renal TBARS levels were changed by diphenyl ditelluride exposure at the dose 0.9 μmol/Kg in rats. Diphenyl ditelluride exposure demonstrated an increase in AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activities. Plasma creatinine and urea levels increase after diphenyl ditelluride exposure. Diphenyl ditelluride also produced a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In contrast, this compound, at all doses tested, induced a marked increase in total leukocyte counts. The present study suggests that diphenyl ditelluride induces hematological disorders and provides evidence for renal and hepatic toxicity in rats.

How Viral Infections Cause Exacerbation of Airway Diseases

Exacerbations of asthma and COPD are major causes of morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs. Over the last decade, studies using new molecular diagnostic techniques have established that respiratory viruses are a major cause of exacerbations of both asthma and COPD. The most prevalent viruses detected during exacerbations are the rhinoviruses. Despite the burden of disease associated with exacerbations, little is known about the mechanisms of virus-induced exacerbations of airway diseases. Exacerbations are associated with increased airway inflammation in patients with both asthma and COPD, but many questions remain unanswered regarding the key inflammatory cells and mediators involved. Identifying the key inflammatory mediators involved in exacerbations holds the promise of developing diagnostic and prognostic markers of exacerbation. In addition, such studies can identify new therapeutic targets for the development of novel drugs for the prevention and treatment of exacerbations.

FIELD TRIAL FOR TREATMENT OF DIARRHOEA IN CATTLE-CALVES IN SHARKIA GOVERNORATE

The present study was designed to investigate the cause of diarrhea among frezian calves,haematological and biochemical effects of diahrroea as well as evaluate the effect of gentamycin sulphate and sulphamix on treatment of diarrhea.58 frezian-calves aged from 10-30 days,weighting40-60 kg body weight belonged to a private farm at Sharkia Province were involved in this investigation for isolation and identification the causativ agent of diarrhea in newlly born calves.28 Calves from the above calves were divided into four equal groups. .First group was clinically healthy calves free from internal and external parasite (control group),second group was calves suffering from diahrroea due to bacterial causes and treated by gentamycin sulphate and Rehydro–Zinc,third group was calves suffering from diahrroea due to cryptosporidia and treated by sulphamix and Rehydro–Zinc,fourth group was calves suffering from diahrroea due to mixed infection (bacterial and cryptosporidia causes)and treated by gentamycin sulphate and sulphamix Rehydro–Zinc.Faecal blood samples were collected from control and infected calves before and after treatment by 10,20 and30days post treatment for bacteriological, haematological and biochemical analysis. Bacteriological and parasitological investigations of faecal swabs indicated that E. coli, proteus sp., klebsiella sp.and mixed infection (E.Coli and proteus sp-E.Coli and klebsiella sp.) in percentage of 20.69% ,13.79% ,10.34% ,6.90% and 12.07% respectively, Moreover cryptosporidium sp.was found in (36.20%)in diarrhoeic calves, either alone (13.79%) or mixed with bacteria( E.coli and Cryptospordium sp. 6.90% Proteus sp and Cryptospordium sp.10.34% Klebsiella sp .and Cryptospordium sp. 5.17%). Antibiogram studies reveald that the activity of gentamycin and other antibiotic disc in vitro against previous isolated bacteria from diarrhoeic calves either alone or mixed infection by disc diffusion test,showed that the gentamycin was the highest effective than other tested drugs. Haemogram picture of diarrhoeic calves due to bacteria or crytospor-idia induce significant increase in erythrocytic count,haemoglobin content,packed cell volume percent, Meanwhile leukogram picture of diarrhoeic calves due to bacteria revealed revealed significant increase in total leukocytic count, eosinophils and significant decrease in monocytes coupled with insignificant increase in neutrophils,lymphocyte and basophil. but diarrhoeic calves due to crytosporidia and mixed infection induce a significant increase in total leukocytes count and lymphocytes but induce insignificant increase in neutrophils and insignificant decrease in monocytes , eosinophils and basophil. The present work revealed that,diarrhoeic calves showed a significant elevation in the transaminases enzymes (AST-ALT) alkaline phosphatase, urea,creatinine and potassium but significant decrease in glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphorus ,magneisum and sodium but albumin /globulin ratio in signifi- cantly decreased were observed in diarrhoeic calve due to bacterial , crytosporidia and mixed infection but change of biochemical parameter due to mixed infection is more severe. Excellent improvement in clinical symptoms,blood picture and blood serum constituents were observed following treatment with gentam-ycin with Rehy- dro zinc and sulphamix with Rehydro–Zinc either alone or in combination . bacterial, crytosporidial and mixed infection induce some adverse effect on blood picture and biochemical parameters but mixed infection induce severe changes. The adverse effect on blood picture and biochemical parameters were returned to the normal levels at 30 days post treatment by gentamycin and sulphamix either alone or together.

Experimental Model of Pain-Free Treadmill Training in Patients with Claudication

Treadmill training in claudication is often based on walking exercise to a pain threshold or longer to the maximum muscle pain of the lower limbs. This kind of exercise may cause an inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pain-free treadmill training using walking exercise to 85% of the distance to onset of claudication pain can significantly improve pain-free walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication and to evaluate whether this kind of program may induce an inflammatory response leading to the progression of atherosclerosis. A total of 98 patients aged 50-70 yrs with stable intermittent claudication were randomized into a supervised treadmill training program or a comparison group. Patients in the treatment group participated in 12 wks of supervised treadmill training. We examined the effects of 12 wks of pain-free treadmill training on pain-free walking distance, total leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and microalbuminuria in patients with claudication. A total of 80 participants completed the program. Exercise rehabilitation increased the time to onset of claudication pain by 119.2%, from 87.4 +/- 38 m to 191.6 +/- 94.8 m (P < 0.001). There was no increase in total leukocyte count, neutrophil count, or microalbuminuria after 12 wks of treadmill exercise (P > 0.05) A pain-free training program can be used in the treatment of claudication as a low-risk program, increasing walking ability without potential harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Intrauterine Administration of Bacterial Modulins: An Alternative Therapy for Endometritis

Deori, S., Kumar, H., Yadav, M.C., Rawat, M. and Srivastava, S.K. 2004. Intrauterine administration of bacterial modulins: An alternative therapy for endometritis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 26: 117–121. To study recovery of endometritis in cows following intrauterine administration of certain bacterial modulins prepared in laboratory, twenty-four cows with endometritis were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. The animals of group-I were given 100 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of E. coli (Sigma Chemicals Co., USA), group-III animals received LPS of E. coli isolated from endometritis cows m laboratory (ILPS) using same dose and group-Ill bacteria free filtrate (BFF) of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from endometritis cows in the laboratory on the day of estrus. The control group animals received saline at similar times. There was a significant increase in total leucocyte count and the polymorphonuclear cells. The levels of immunoglobulins were higher in groups of animals that received LPS preparations but not in BFF-treated animals. A significant (P<0.05) reduction in bacterial load was observed in all treatment groups at subsequent estrus. The overall conception rate tended to be higher in group-I as compared to group-II and III. This study demonstrated therapeutic efficacy of laboratory preparations of LPS of E. coli and BFF of Staphylococcus aureus in endometritis stimulating the mechanisms of uterine defense as evident by increased influx of PMN cells and immunoglobulin levels in uterine fluid of treated animals.

Swainsonine stimulates bone marrow cell proliferation and differentiation in different strains of inbred mice

The immunomodulatory alkaloid swainsonine (8αβ-indolizidine-1α,2α,8β-triol) has potential for overcoming the bone marrow suppressive effects of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation. The effect of swainsonine on bone marrow cellularity was evaluated in four different strains (C57BL/6; C3H-HEN; Balb/C and DBA-2 mice) of inbred mice subjected to multiple doses of the alkaloid. Swainsonine treatment stimulated bone marrow cell proliferation in all strains of mice. Examination of the peripheral blood did not reveal any increase in total leukocyte count. In vitro assessment of total colony-forming unit (CFU) capacity of bone marrow cells showed a two- to eight-fold increase in swainsonine treated mice of different strains compared to their corresponding controls given sham injections of physiological saline. Swainsonine induced increase in CFU capacity of bone marrow cells should find clinical application in cancer treatment with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation.

Soluble complement receptor 1 is increased in patients with leukemia and after administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

Complement receptor type 1 is expressed by erythrocytes and most leukocytes. A soluble form is shed from the leukocytes and found in plasma (sCR1). sCR1 is a powerful inhibitor of complement. We report an increased sCR1 in the plasma of leukemia patients, up to levels producing measurable complement inhibition. Half of the 180 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) had sCR1 levels above the normal range. The highest levels were observed in T-ALL (17 patients). The complement function of a T-ALL serum was improved by blocking sCR1 with a specific mAb (3D9). Measurements in 16 peripheral stein cell donors before and after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration showed an increase in sCR1 (before, 43.8+/-15.4; at day 5, 118.3+/-44.7 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). This increase paralleled the increase in total leukocyte counts and was concomitant with de novo leukocyte mRNA CR1 expression in all three individuals tested. Whether pharmacological intervention may be used to up-regulate sCR1 so as to inhibit complement in vivo should be further investigated.

Effect of H. pylori infection and CagA status on leukocyte counts and liver function tests: extra-gastric manifestations of H. pylori infection.

It has been suggested that H. pylori infection is associated with abnormalities in total leukocyte count as well as the number of basophils and lymphocytes. In addition, CagA seropositivity has been associated with an increase in serum transaminase (SGOT) values. The aim of this study was to confirm the findings of previous subgroup analyses in patients before and after treatment for H. pylori infection and to ascertain whether the abnormalities reversed following successful treatment. Blood counts and serum transaminase levels were obtained prior to and following treatment of H. pylori infection of H. pylori-infected duodenal ulcer patients. CagA status was assessed by Western blot of the H. pylori isolates obtained from the patients. Ninety-four ulcer patients were studied, including 77 with CagA-positive H. pylori isolates (82%) and 17 with CagA-negative H. pylori isolates. All study parameters remained within normal limits both before and after therapy. There were no significant changes in any study parameter in those who failed therapy. Successful therapy resulted in a significant fall in total white cell count (7413 +/- 520 cmm to 6738 +/- 410 cmm, for pretreatment vs. cured, respectively, p = 0.04) and was almost entirely accounted for by a reduction in the number of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (4595 +/- 370 cmm to 3855 +/- 270 cmm for pretreatment vs. cured, respectively, p = 0.015). The pretreatment SGOT and basophil count were significantly higher in those with CagA-positive H. pylori (SGOT = 23 +/- 1 vs. 18.5 +/- 1 U). Successful or failed therapy with follow-up for 3 months post therapy did not result in a significant change of SGOT levels. We confirmed an increase in total leukocyte count and number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in those with H. pylori infection. We also confirmed higher SGOT levels with CagA-positive H. pylori infection, but the failure to resolve within 3 months of cure of the infection makes it unlikely to be a direct result of the H. pylori infection.

Passive transfer of poly-(1-6)-beta-glucotriosyl-(1-3)-beta-glucopyranose glucan protection against lethal infection in an animal model of intra-abdominal sepsis

Previous studies have established the efficacy of soluble polymers of poly-(1-6)-beta-glucotriosyl-(1-3)-beta-glucopyranose (PGG) glucan, a biological-response modifier, in protecting against mortality associated with experimentally induced peritonitis in a rat model. PGG glucan-treated animals showed increases in total leukocyte counts and enhanced bacterial clearance from blood. To further explore the mechanisms) by which this agent confers protection, studies were performed to examine whether protection could be transferred from PGG glucan-treated animals to naive recipients via spleen cells (SC), SC lysates, or serum. Passive-transfer experiments indicated that the responsible factor(s) was transferable by whole SC and SC lysates, as well as by peripheral leukocytes or serum from animals treated with PGG glucan. The transferable factor(s) was resistant to pronase and trypsin digestion, was heat stable at 56 or 80 degrees C, and was not removed by NH4SO4 precipitation. The protective effect of PGG glucan was abrogated by treatment with indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Administration of a purified prostaglandin extract from the sera of PGG glucan-treated animals protected against mortality in the peritonitis model. Furthermore, treatment of rats with exogenous synthetic prostaglandin E2 also conferred protection against mortality. These results suggest that the protective effect exhibited by PGG glucan in the rat peritonitis model is mediated, at least in part, by prostaglandins.