Non-specific Humoral Immunity Research Articles

The effect of a probiotic drug on an enterosorbent on the change in the functional activity of humoral factors of nonspecific immunity of the Russian Lena sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstadtii × Acipenser baeri)

In modern aquaculture, probiotic drugs are used to increase the immunologically determined natural resistance of the fish body, regulate their immune homeostasis, prevent stress, prevent diseases and form normal intestinal microflora of fish at all stages of development. The use of these drugs in compound feeds can solve a number of problems related to the immunological and physiological state of the fish body, affecting the antimicrobial activity expressed by the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, suppression of bacterial invasion, and prevention of adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms to epithelial cells. In addition, the drugs will help to improve the barrier function, expressed by an increase in mucus production, strengthening the integrity of the epithelial barrier. This article presents information about the experimental study of the effect of a probiotic drug on the enterosorbent “Ecoflor” on the dynamics of bactericidal activity of blood serum, the concentration of nonspecific immune complexes in blood serum and immunocompetent organs, the number of immunodeficient individuals, as well as on the level of C-reactive protein of the Russian Lena sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstadtii x Acipenser baeri). It was found that the use of a probiotic drug in experimental dosages of 5–9 g/kg of compound feed has an effect on the indicators of nonspecific humoral immunity. Thus, the Russian- Lena sturgeon, grown on compound feeds with probiotic on enterosorbent, had an increased level of BABS and the absence of IMD of individuals. In addition, the probiotic contributed to a decrease in the concentration of nonspecific immune complexes in the blood serum and immunocompetent organs of the Russian-Lena sturgeon, and the results of the analysis for SRB allowed us to conclude that the drug used does not cause inflammatory reactions in the body of sturgeon fish.

Влияние иммобилизованной формы пробиотического препарата «Экофлор» на показатели неспецифического гуморального иммунитета осетровых рыб

Currently, due to the intensive development of aquaculture, interest in the study of the immune system and im-mune response in fish has increased. When growing fish in aquaculture, the conditions of their maintenance should contribute to maintaining the optimal activity of innate immunity. It has been established that the immunity of fish is more dependent on external influences, and environmental conditions are active regulators of fish immunoreactivity. Currently, various probiotic preparations with the ability to correct microbiological and immune parameters due to the action of symbiotic microorgasms have been widely used in aquaculture to increase and regulate the immune homeostasis of fish. Information is presented on the conduct of experimental studies to assess the effect of the probiotic drug “Ecoflor”, immobilized on enterosorbent, on the level of bactericidal activity of blood serum, the number of immunodeficient individuals, the content of nonspecific immune complexes in blood serum and immunocompetent organs, as well as on the level of C-reactive protein of sterlet yearlings (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758). It is noted that the use of a probiotic drug in an experi-mental dosage of 6 g/kg of compound feed has an effect on the indicators of nonspecific humoral immunity. Thus, sterlet grown on compound feeds with the specified rate of drug administration is characterized by an increased level of bactericidal activity of blood serum – 98% and the absence of immunodeficiency – 0%. In addition, this dosage helps to reduce the concentration of nonspecific immune complexes in the blood serum to 2.25 ± 1.65 and immunocompetent organs of sterlet yearlings: in the liver and spleen to 0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.30 ± 0.30, respectively. The results of the analysis of the level of C-reactive protein indicate that this drug does not cause inflammatory reactions in the body of fish.

Dynamics of non-specific humoral immunity factors in poultry which received feed supplement based on silkworm pupae

The purpose of the study was to determine the focus and the intensity of the effect of the developed feed supplement based on the silkworm pupae on the nonspecific humoral immunity of poultry. The research was carried out on one-day-old broiler chickens, which were kept in standard vivarium conditions. The birds of first group were given the supplement in the morning, mixing with compound feed at the rate of 3.0 ml/kg of live weight. The second group was control. On the 20th, 27th, 34th and 48th days, 5 birds from each group were euthanized and blood was collected for clinical and biochemical studies. To determine the indicators of non-specific humoral immunity of birds after receiving feed supplement based on silkworm pupae in the blood serum of birds, the level of total protein, albumins, globulins, the concentration of circulating immune complexes of average molecular weight and seromucoids were determined by generally accepted methods. As a result of the use of a feed supplement based on silkworm pupae, there was determined an increase in the level of hemoglobin up to 16.0% and a slight activation of erythropoiesis, an increase in the level of humoral immunity, as evidenced by an increase in globulins up to 12.2% and circulating immune complexes up to 30.7%, and also inhibition of seromucoid synthesis by 15.4%. Thus, it has been concluded that the use of a feed supplement based on silkworm pupae allows to increase the level of non-specific humoral immunity of chickens, as evidenced by increased expression of its markers (globulins, circulating immune complexes), as well as inhibition of seromucoid synthesis. The revealed positive effect of the feed supplement based on silkworm pupae on the state of natural resistance can be considered as one of the factors of increasing the average daily weight gain of chickens by 39.0% in the first 7 days of life

Influence of effective microorganisms on pikeperch nonspecific humoral immunity, general condition, and development

Abstract Products containing effective microorganisms (EMTM) use microorganisms to work in the environment in which they are applied. EMTM is used in many countries worldwide, mainly in agriculture, including in aquaculture, and in environmental protection. Fish farmers use these products to stimulate effective growth and conditioning and as immunity enhancers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of EMTM Probiotyk (Greenland, Poland) on the development of humoral non-specific resistance in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in the initial stage of rearing in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The experimental diet was administered for 28 days with 0% (control group), 2%, and 4% EMTM supplementation. The results from the humoral parameters (Lys, TP, Ig) showed no statistical differences. The only statistically significant difference was noted in Cer for the 4% group. Non-specific humoral-mediated immunity in fish plays a key role in defense against damaging factors. Pikeperch is a fish used for restocking open waters, where fish can be subjected to agrotechnical treatments, including EMTM. The results permitted estimating the potential risks of using EMTM in aquaculture.

Взаимодействие иммунокомпетентных элементов крови при изолированной закрытой тупой травме почки

INTRODUCTION Blunt renal trauma manifest at macro- and microstructural levels as concussions, bruises or lacerations. The pyelonephritis predominates in structure of posttraumatic compli- cations. AIM To study immune changes in patients with renal trauma and their effect on the development of inflammatory post-traumatic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multivariate statistical analysis of immunological parameters in the immediate post-traumatic period in 92 patients with 2-3 degrees of isolated blunt renal trauma, according to the classification OIS/OI AAST, 2018), was carried out. RESULTS three main components were identified: the first was associated with the lymphocyte count; the second component included high indicators of adaptive cellular immunity CD+19, CD+8, while the third component represented indicators of nonspecific humoral immunity. They accounted for 43.7%, 37.5% and 18.9% of the variance of intergroup differences, respectively. A strong negative correlation between neutrophils and lymphocytes and a weak positive correlation between IgM and IgG were revealed, which altogether indicated the preserved adaptive response of the immune system. CONCLUSION The multivariate analysis of immunological reactivity suggests a sufficient degree of mobilization of the immune system for the adequate adaptive response in patients with isolated blunt kidney trauma, which makes the prediction of the development of post-traumatic pyelonephritis doubtful.

Relationship of the average monthly temperature of February and some immunological indicators of the bream in the Rybinsk reservoir in different years

A study of changes in some immunological parameters of fish blood serum depending on the average monthly air temperature was carried out. The studies were carried out on bream aged 3+, with an average weight of 375 ± 30 g and a length of 290 ± 20 cm, caught in the Volga reach of the Rybinsk reservoir. The fish were caught using fixed nets in February for several years and the average monthly air temperature was recorded. The studied fish were sampled from the tail vein. Blood was collected in a dry sterile test tube and kept at room temperature. After blood coagulation and retraction of the clot, the serum was taken with a syringe with a fine needle and transferred to another tube. To assess the state of natural immunity in the blood serum, the level of bactericidal activity and nonspecific immune complexes was analyzed. Based on the data obtained, the number of immunodeficient individuals was determined. Variations of the studied parameters in years different in average monthly air temperature were established. The greatest differences between the indicators were revealed in the years with the highest (2003) and lowest (2006) mean monthly temperatures. The minimum indicators of bactericidal activity were recorded in 2003, and the maximum — in 2006. The highest content of immune complexes and immunodeficient individuals was established in 2003, and the lowest in 2006. The study showed the relationship between an increase in the average monthly air temperature and a decrease in functional activity nonspecific humoral immunity. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the temperature factor influences the mechanisms of innate immunity of fish.

Neurolisteriosis in a previously asymptomatic patient with serum IgM deficiency: a case report

BackgroundListeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen of the central nervous system commonly associated with impaired cell-mediated immunity. We hereby present a case of adult neurolisteriosis where the only immunological feature persistently present was serum IgM deficiency, suggesting that non-specific humoral immunity may also play a central role in the control of neuroinvasion by Listeria monocytogenes.Case presentationA 62-year-old male who had never experienced severe infections presented with headache, nuchal rigidity and confusion. Neuroimaging was normal and lumbar puncture revealed pleiocytosis (760 leukocytes/mm3) and hypoglycorrhachia (34 mg/dL). The patient was treated empirically for bacterial meningitis. Indeed, further analysis of the CSF showed infection by Listeria monocytogenes, which was accompanied by reduced serum IgM levels that persisted well beyond the period of acute bacterial infection. Levels of IgG and IgA isotypes, along with peripheral blood counts of major leukocyte subsets, were at the same time largely preserved. Intriguingly, the absence of membrane-bound IgM on B cells was essentially complete in the acute post-infection period leading to a remarkable recovery after 12 months, suggesting that mechanisms other than defective membrane expression are underlying serum deficiency.ConclusionsAs far as we know, this is the first reported case of neurolisteriosis associated with IgM deficiency in an adult individual without a history of severe infections or other underlying conditions. A possible role of circulating IgM against invasive disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, particularly in the early course of host-pathogen interaction, is discussed.

Effects of trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 toxin on haematological and immunological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of T-2 toxin-contaminated feed (at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.8 mg/kg) on the rainbow trout immune system by studying non-specific cellular and humoral immune responses and its effect on red and white blood cells. Consumption of T-2 toxin at both concentrations resulted in significantly increased erythrocyte counts and a decrease in mean corpuscular volume. While a significant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin was observed at both experimental concentrations, the decrease in plasma haemoglobin was only significant at the higher T-2 toxin concentration. Higher T-2 toxin concentrations resulted in a significant increase in leukocyte and lymphocyte count, while absolute phagocyte count and counts of less mature neutrophil granulocyte forms remained unchanged at both concentrations. Non-specific humoral immunity (bactericidal activity measured as complement activation) decreased significantly in both experimental groups when compared with the control. The results of this study show that T-2 toxin in feed at a concentration range of 1.0-1.8 mg/kg influences the immunological defence mechanisms of rainbow trout.Trial registration number, MSMT-3876/2014-14; date of registration, 31/1/2014.

Colostrum-supplemented transition milk positively affects serum biochemical parameters, humoral immunity indicators and the growth performance of calves

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of colostrum-supplemented transition milk on the growth rate of newborn calves. Thirty-six day-old female Holstein calves with a birth weight of 43.4 ± 5.5 kg were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. On day 1, all calves received one portion (3 kg) of colostrum within 2 h after birth. Between the second feeding and the age of 5 days, control calves received only transition milk that had been collected from dams shortly before feeding, and the treatment group received 1.5 kg of colostrum collected from dams on day 1 and 1.5 kg of transition milk from subsequent milkings. Monthly body weight and average daily gain were used to measure growth performance. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at multiple time points to evaluate the biochemical and immune status of calves. Colostrum-supplemented transition milk increased the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins, triacylglycerols, cholesterol and total protein. The activity of lactate-dehydrogenase and ceruloplasmin decreased, whereas lysozyme activity increased with time in the control group. It can be concluded that additional five days of colostrum feeding positively influences non-specific humoral immunity indicators and serum biochemical parameters in dairy calves.

Correction of the immunological status of the newborn calves with Interferon

The newborn calves have a number of physiological features that make them especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. Therefore, along with serums and vaccines that provide specific immunity, immunomodulators are used to correct the immunological status of animals after giving colostrum. The article presents the data on the study of indices of nonspecific resistance of calves after birth and their correction with interferon alfa-2b. It was found that in the group of calves that were introduced interferon, there was an increase in the number of lymphocytes (T lymphocytes - by 11.9% (P <0.05), B lymphocytes - by 28.2% (P <0.03), and also the phagocytic activity of leukocytes - by 13.5 % (P <0.00001), with a decrease in leukocytes by 12.6% (P <0.01), which was the evidence of the corrective effect of the preparation on the cell-mediated immunity. An increase in serum bactericidal activity (SBA) by 19.4 % (P <0.00001), serum lysozyme activity (SLA) - by 46.3% (P <0.00001), serum complementary activity (SCA) - by 35.3% (P <0.04), as well as immune globulins (γ- globulins - by 1.62 times (P <0.002), total immunoglobulins - by 21.8% (P <0.0005), immunoglobulins G - 23.0 % (P <0.04), which characterized the enhancement of nonspecific humoral immunity, was registered in the blood of calves of the experimental group compared to the control one. Thus, the application of the interferon contributed to the activation of nonspecific humoral and cell-mediated immunity of the newborn calves.

The Humoral Immune Response to BCG Vaccination.

Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is the only currently available vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), but it confers incomplete and variable protection against pulmonary TB in humans and bovine TB (bTB) in cattle. Insights into the immune response induced by BCG offer an underexploited opportunity to gain knowledge that may inform the design of a more efficacious vaccine, which is urgently needed to control these major global epidemics. Humoral immunity in TB and bTB has been neglected, but recent studies supporting a role for antibodies in protection against TB has driven a growing interest in determining their relevance to vaccine development. In this manuscript we review what is known about the humoral immune response to BCG vaccination and re-vaccination across species, including evidence for the induction of specific B cells and antibodies; and how these may relate to protection from TB or bTB. We discuss potential explanations for often conflicting findings and consider how factors such as BCG strain, manufacturing methodology and route of administration influence the humoral response. As novel vaccination strategies include BCG prime-boost regimens, the literature regarding off-target immunomodulatory effects of BCG vaccination on non-specific humoral immunity is also reviewed. Overall, reported outcomes to date are inconsistent, but indicate that humoral responses are heterogeneous and may play different roles in different species, populations, or individual hosts. Further study is warranted to determine whether a new TB vaccine could benefit from the targeting of humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity.

Immune-enhancing Activity of Potential Probiotic Strains of Lactobacillus Plantarum in the Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Fingerling.

IntroductionImmune-potentiating functions of Lactobacillus plantarum strains in the common carp were evaluated.Material and MethodsFourteen days of feeding fish dry diet supplemented with the bacteria provided parameters of nonspecific humoral immunity (lysozyme, ceruloplasmin, γ-globulin, total protein levels, and serum bactericidal activity) and cellular immunity (pinocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and potential killing activity of organ phagocytes), as well as the proliferative response of organ lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens. The resistance of fish to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila was also determined.ResultsDietary supplementation with L. plantarum had a substantial influence on the activity of organ phagocytes, especially the potential killing activity of head kidney cells. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of LPS-stimulated B lymphocytes and in the levels of γ-globulins and total protein was observed. The supplemented diet conveyed higher resistance than the control diet as the cumulative fish mortalities after infection with A. hydrophila were 65% and 85%, respectively.ConclusionThe results indicate that dietary supplementation with L. plantarum stimulates the antibacterial resistance of common carp and may reinforce defence against bacterial infections, but further studies need to be conducted.

КОРЕКЦІЯ ВРОДЖЕНОГО ІМУНІТЕТУ ІНТАКТНИХ ТА ЩЕПЛЕНИХ ПРОТИ НЬЮКАСЛСЬКОЇ ХВОРОБИ КУРЧАТ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ПРОБІОТИЧНОГО НАНОМЕТАЛОГЛОБУЛІНОВОГО ПРЕПАРАТУ

The development of effective complex drugs for increasing the viability of young farm animals by stimulating the activity of immunity, studying the biological effects of these drugs on the expression of cytokine genes and the formation of humoral immunity by its markers is an urgent problem. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the complex probiotic-metal-protein preparation (PNMGP) on the dynamics of innate immunity factors in intact chickens and when they are vaccinated with a live vaccine against Newcastle disease. The research was carried out at the NSC "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine". Three groups (n = 15) of clinically healthy chickens were formed. Birds of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups received PNMGP, starting from the 5th day of life for 5 days at a dose of 5 g/head, mixed with feed. The third bird group was control. On the 17th day of the experiment, the bird vaccination of the 2nd and the 3rd experimental groups was conducted with a commercial live vaccine against Newcastle disease from La Sota strain . On the 27th, 37th and 47th days of the experiment, 5 heads from each group were euthanized and blood was collected for clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic studies. It has been established that the feeding of PNMGP causes an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood by 11.3% - 23.9% and the level of hemoglobin by 9.6% - 49.0% relative to the corresponding indices of the control group chickens. The use of the drug causes an increase in the level of iron availability in the organism's of the experimental birds. In particular, the coefficient of saturation of transferrin by iron during the study period in poultry of group 1 was increased by 28.7% -34.3%, a similar effect was found in chickens of group 2. Under the action of PNMGP there are multidirectional changes in the level of markers of non-specific humoral immunity: in blood serum of experimental birds, the level of total protein increases due to the fraction of globulins and content of circulating immune complexes, the suppressive effect of the live vaccine against Newcastle disease on the humoral link of immunity is reduced - the level of Sm in the birds of the 2nd group was lower than that of the chickens of the 3rd group by 10,0%, 8,6% and 25,0% on the 10th, 20th and 30th days after vaccination, respectively. In chickens of group 1, the expression level of IL-2 gene exceeded the control values by 91.1%, and 88.8% on the 27th and 47th days of the experiment respectively, and on the 37th day - 10.7 times; and IL-17 - by 50.0% and 59.2% on the 27th and 47th days, respectively, on the 37th day - 3.5 times. The intensity of expression of IL-2 and IL-17 genes in chickens of group 2 was maximally increased - 20.7 and 2.4 times, respectively. The data we have obtained show the expressed immune modulating effect of PNMGP on the state of bird innate immunity. This contributes to the enhancement of the synthesis of specific post-vaccine antibodies to the Newcastle disease virus: their level in the birds of the 2nd group exceeded the control group's indices by 14.3% - 25.7% during the research period. The results we obtained, by the determined trends in the development of immune responses when using a complex probiotic nanometal globulin preparation, coincide with the results of other researchers and can be used as a basis for the development and application of means for enhancing innate immunity of animals and immunogenicity of vaccine drugs. Key words: Complex probiotic nanometal globulin preparation, innate immunity, poultry, expression of cytokine genes, vaccination, specific immunity

Diets containing shrimp protein hydrolysates provided protection to European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) affected by a Vibrio pelagius natural infection outbreak

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the dietary supplementation of shrimp protein hydrolysate (SPH) on somatic growth performance, innate immune response in juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and their differential cumulative mortality when affected by a Vibrio pelagius natural infection outbreak. A diet containing 20% fish meal (FM) was used as a control, whereas three other diets differing in the level of FM inclusion (75 and 25% FM replacement by plant protein sources) and the inclusion of the additive (5% FM, 5% FM + 5% SPH and 15% FM + 5% SPH) were tested. After 110 days, there were no statistically significant differences in somatic growth parameters nor proximate composition in fish fed different experimental diets (P > 0.05), while the humoral non-specific immune responses (lysozyme, bacteriolytic and complement activities) were significantly enhanced by the inclusion of SPH in diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, an outbreak of the pathogenic bacteria V. pelagius, a bacterial species previously described as producer of the virulence factor hemolysin, occurred in all experimental tanks (4 replicates per diet) due to crowding and repeated handling stress for fish sorting. Survival rates among different experimental groups ten days after the bacterial epizootic differed depending on the diets, with groups containing SPH showing the best results (P < 0.05). In particular, fish fed the 15% FM + 5% SPH diet showed the highest survival rate (96.4 ± 5.0%), followed by those fed the 5% FM5 + 5% SPH5 (61.8 ± 16.3%). In contrast, survival rates in fish fed diets deprived of the additive (20% FM and 5% FM5 diets) were the lowest ones (32.0 ± 6.7% and 38.2 ± 13.5%, respectively). The present study showed that SPH can be incorporated in aquafeeds with high levels of FM substitution by PP sources without detrimental impact on the somatic growth performance of fish. In addition, the non-specific humoral immunity in seabass and their survival when affected by an epizootic outbreak of V. pelagius were positively affected, which showed the immunomodulatory benefits of shrimp protein hydrolysate to promote health and prevent diseases in fish.

Inhibitory Effects of the Standardized Extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Balb/C Mice.

Phyllanthus amarus has been shown to have strong inhibitory effects on phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and on cellular immune responses in Wistar-Kyoto rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of daily treatment of standardized extract of P. amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 14 days in Balb/C mice by measuring the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release, macrophage phagocytosis, swelling of footpad in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), and serum immunoglobulins, ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extract using validated reversed-phase HPLC methods identified phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin and geraniin as the biomarkers. Significant dose-dependent inhibitions of MPO activity and NO release were observed in treated mice. The extract also inhibited E. coli phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages of treated mice and inhibited the sheep red blood cells (sRBC)-induced swelling rate of mice paw in the DTH. There was also a significant decrease in non-specific humoral immunity including ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels in the extract-fed groups as well as the release of serum level immunoglobulins. The strong inhibitory effects of the extract on the cellular and humoral immune responses suggest the potential of the plant to be developed as an effective immunosuppressive agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of A diet containing β-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids on the biochemical and nonspecific humoral immunity indicators and on the results of experimental calf rearing

Influence of A diet containing β-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids on the biochemical and nonspecific humoral immunity indicators and on the results of experimental calf rearing

Effect of a plant preparation Citrosept on selected immunity indices in blood of slaughter turkey hens.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of per os administration of 3 various dosages of a Citrosept preparation (a grapefruit extract)to growing turkey hens on changes in their selected haematological and immunological blood indices. An attempt was also undertaken to select the most efficient dose of the preparation with respect to the mentioned indices in turkey hens. The experiment was conducted on 180 turkey hens allocated at random to 4 groups, 45 birds in each group. Samples of their full blood were analyzed for haematological indices, such as red blood cell count (RBS), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit value (Ht), and white blood cell count (WBC). Samples of blood plasma were assayed to determine the activity of lysozyme (chamber-diffusive method) and heterophils capability to reduce nitro blue tetrazolium (stimulated and spontaneous NBT test). Phagocytic activity of leucocytes against Staphylococcus aureus 209P strain was assessed and expressed as the percentage of phagocytic cells (% PC) and phagocytic index (PI). The administration of the grapefruit extract to turkey hens with drinking water caused a significant increase in haemoglobin content in blood, as well as an increase in non-specific humoral immunity marker (activity of lysozyme) and non-specific cellular immunity marker (percentage of phagocytic cells; P ≤ 0.05). The results obtained enabled the positive evaluation of the advisability of applying the Citrosept preparation in the feeding of turkey hens at the age of 6-9 weeks. Among the doses examined, the most efficient with respect to the stimulation of the non-specific humoral and cellular immunity was the dose of 0.021 ml/kg of body weight.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae dried yeast on the meat performance traits and selected indicators of humoral immunity in lambs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeon indicators of meat performance traits in sheep as well as on selected non-specific indicators of humoral and cellular defense. The experiment was performed on 32 suckling Kamieniec lambs divided into two equal groups (control and experimental). Over a period of 60 days, experimental group of lambs were fed a diet supplemented withSaccharomyces cerevisiaedried yeast (the yeast supplement did not change the value of the feed ration). The following meat performance indicators were determined: body weight, daily gains, growth rate, the dimensions of musculus longissimus dorsi sections, skin and subcutaneous fat thickness and fat thickness over the loin “eye” area. Selected indicators of non-specific humoral immunity (lysozyme activity, ceruloplasmin activity, total protein and gamma globulin content) were determined in the blood serum of lambs. Compared to control, yeast administered to the experimental group of lambs significantly increased the values of the analyzed meat performance traits i.e. body weight, growth rate, musculus longissimus dorsi dimensions (P≤ 0.05) and daily gains (P≤ 0.01), pointing to improved muscle development. Lambs fed the yeast showed a significant (P≤ 0.01) increase in lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activity and increased serum concentrations of gamma globulins. Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were not observed only with respect to the serum concentrations of total protein. Suuplementing the lambs’ feed with yeast had a positive effect on meat performance traits and indicators of humoral immunity.

Biochemical, Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of Levamisole at Different Storage Conditions and Administration Routes

Levamisole is a broad-spectrum nicotinic anthelmintic drug; widely used in veterinary medicine. Levamisole actions are variable depending on storage temperature and administration route. The present study was conducted to test levamisole effects on immune responses and antioxidant status of rats at different storage temperature and administration routs. The experimental rats were allocated into four experimental groups and two controls. Group 1 was given levamisole orally. Group 2 was injected levamisole intramuscularly. In group 1 and 2 levamisole was stored at 4 degrees C for 72 h and given every two days for three weeks at a dose of 2.5 mg kg(-1) body weight. Group 3 and 4 were treated same as group 1 and 2 but levamisole was stored at 37 degrees C. Serum levels of total IgG and IgA and plasma levels of glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), TAC concentrations in addition to GST and GSH-Px activities were measured. The results indicated that the storage of levamisole at 4 degrees C significantly increased serum IgG and IgA levels in rats and improved rat's antioxidant status through significant increase in glutathione related enzymes (GSSG-R, GST and GSH-Px) and the TAC. Levamisole stored at 37 degrees C increased measured antioxidant biomarkers but decreased the rats' non-specific humoral immunity. Moreover, the intramuscular administration induced better antioxidant properties than oral administration of levamisole. In conclusion, levamisole actions could be specifically directed towards certain types of immune responses due to changes in storage temperature with better response to injectable routes than oral routs with more antioxidant activities.

Effects of summer training camp on serum opsonic activity and plasma cytokine levels in female long‐distance runners

In a summer training camp, strenuous physical exercises are carried out to improve endurance ability. The effects of the training stress on the immune system have been studied extensively. However, less attention has been paid to non-specific immunological changes. Serum opsonic activity (SOA) is a more direct and suitable indicator of non-specific humoral immunity. In this study, we used the luminal-dependent chemiluminescence (LmCL) to measure reactive oxygen species generation from pooled human neutrophils as an indicator of SOA. We also measured plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasma cytokine levels. Twenty-two female college runners took part in this study after giving their written informed consent. There was no significant difference in the physical characteristics and serum enzyme levels. However, significant differences were observed in the changes of blood property and plasma cytokine levels. According to MPO levels, neutrophils in vivo may be deactivated during the camp. Positive correlations between fluctuations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were observed in this study. According to the results of peak time and peak height of LmCL, SOA seems to increase at first qualitatively and then quantitatively during the summer camp. The increased SOA level may compensate for the decrease in neutrophil activity.