Nature of the toxic factors in burns studied in germ-free guinea pigs

Toxicity (action on migration of leukocytes in culture) of the serum and saline extracts of the internal organs after burns was studied in experiments on germ-free and contaminated guinea pigs. Despite the total absence of a microbial flora, the toxic properties of the serum and extracts of internal organs of the germ-free animals were the same as those of the contaminated guinea pigs. The results point to the important role of histiogenic factors in the development of burn toxemia.Pathophysiological Laboratory, Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. Laboratory of Experimental Biological Models, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 80, No. 10, pp. 19–20, October, 1975.     

The effects of the microbial components of the probiotic Acilact on the cell-mediated immunity factors under experimental conditions

The authors analyzed the effects of the microbial components of the probiotic Acilact on the cell-mediated factors of the immune homeostasis. According to the results, L. acidophilis stimulates the functional activity of immunocompetent cells, especially T-cell mediated immunity with strain- and dose-depending differences in intensity. The study demonstrated the ability of L. acidophilis to activate expression of the genes of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNgamma, IL-6, 12, and TNFalpha), to induce production of IFNalpha and IFNgamma, and increase interferon production, with additional stimulation of lymphoid organ cells with specific inductors in vitro. The study established that L. acidophilis stimulates production of macrophage migration inhibition factor by immunocompetent cells of Peyer's plaques and the splen, and induces its quantitative increase in the serum of CBA mice. The study detected immunocorrecting effect of L. acidophilis by the example of experimental shigellous infection, demonstrated intensification of the prolipherative activity of immunocompetent T-cells, induction of the expression of the genes of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNgamma, IL-1beta, 6, 12, and TNFalpha), but not IL4 and 10, increase of synthesis of IFNalpha and IFNgamma by the cells of Peyer's plaques, the splen and thymus. The obtained results prove the immunological effect of the probiotic preparation Acilact, based on the strains L. acidophilis NK1 and L. acidophilis K3(111)24.     

Effect of trekrezan on immunogenesis under experimental conditions

We studied the dynamics of immune reactions to trekrezan in mouse pups after vaccination of adult mice during pregnancy and mouse pups at different terms after birth withSalmonella typhimurium 34–96. The preparation modulated activity of the immune system and stimulated antibody production in the pre- and postnatal period. Translated fromByulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 138, No. 8, pp. 196–197, August, 2004     

Effect of toluene exposure on the liver under different experimental conditions

The effect of exposure to toluene inhalation was studied in adult mice, rats, and rabbits, and, further, in rats of different age groups and rats subjected to partial hepatectomy or ligation of the common bile duct. It was found that (1) toluene has no substantial liver damaging effect on the mouse, rat, or rabbit; (2) induction of microsomal monooxygenase enzymes by toluene is almost completely independent of physiological changes affecting the functional-anatomical state of the liver (aging), of restriction of the functional capacity of the organ (partial hepatectomy), and of irreversible hepatic damage (bile duct ligation); (3) toluene does not in any way interfere with surgically induced hepatic damage. The consequences of surgical interventions, in turn, just like the age-dependent changes, do not modify the minimal ultrastructural damaging effect of toluene.     

Histochemical characteristics of experimental moniliasis under specific sensitization conditions

The role of specific sensitization in the pathogenesis of experimental moniliasis was studied histochemically. Activity of several enzymes of the fungus and of infiltrating inflammatory cells was determined and assessed quantitatively. Tissue changes in visceral moniliasis were found to correspond to changes in the active substances in cells of the fungus and of the focus of inflammatory infiltration. In the early stages of parasitism increased activity of fungal enzymes was observed, followed by a decrease, which coincided with a decrease in the number of vegetative forms. Preliminary administration of monilial allergen induced increased sensitivity to subsequent infection. Changes in specifically sensitized rats developed against the background of marked vascular disorders and followed a hyperergic type of course.Department of Pathological Anatomy and Department of Microbiology and Medical Mycology, S. M. Kirov Leningrad Postgraduate Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. P. Avtsyn.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 82, No. 8, pp. 1009–1011, August, 1976.     

On certain changes in the degree of corneal tissue differentiation under experimental conditions

Summary Circular burn of the corneal surface reduces the differentiation and induces proliferative growth in the central area in the form of a polyp. Transplants from the cornea with incomplete development, mature rapidly, after being placed between the superficial layers of the corneal stroma. Nerve branches growing into the transplant are visible in the preparations impregnated according to Campos. In the same transplants placed between the deep corneal layers, where the nervous apparatus is poor developed, the degree of differentiation is decreased and follows the type of the tissue culture in vivo. It is suggested that the degree of the tissue differentiation and its functional adequacy are maintained by the nervous apparatus, whereas denervation provokes tissue autonomism, i.e., reduction of differentiation and acceleration of tissue growth.(Presented by Active Member of the Akad. Med. Nauk SSSR N. A. Kraevskii) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 56, No. 7, pp. 99–103, July, 1963     

Toltrazuril treatment of cystoisosporosis in dogs under experimental and field conditions

Coccidia of the genus Cystoisospora cause mild to severe diarrhoea in dogs. The effects of toltrazuril treatment on cystoisosporosis were studied under experimental and field conditions. Twenty-four puppies were experimentally infected each with 4 × 10⁴ oocysts of the Cystoisospora ohioensis group. Three groups of six puppies were treated 3 dpi with 10, 20 or 30 mg/kg body weight of toltrazuril suspension (5%); the remaining six puppies served as non-treated controls. Toltrazuril suspension or microgranulate were given once in a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, to naturally infected puppies in conventional dog breeding facilities, depending on the coproscopical evidence of infection. Oocyst excretion and clinical data were recorded. Under experimental conditions, the non-treated puppies excreted oocysts beginning at 6 dpi and suffered from catarrhalic to haemorrhagic diarrhoea. On 12 dpi, four of six non-treated puppies died. Irrespective of the dose, toltrazuril treatment totally suppressed oocyst excretion and no diarrhoea or other signs of disease were observed in the treated groups. Natural Cystoisospora infections were regularly found during the 3rd or 4th week of age in dog breeding facilities although not always associated with diarrhoea. A single oral application of toltrazuril abrogated oocyst shedding and the treated puppies remained generally coproscopically negative during the following 2–4 weeks. Cystoisospora is pathogenic for puppies and can induce severe disease. Natural infections are common in conventional dog breeding facilities. Toltrazuril treatment is suitable for controlling cystoisosporosis under experimental and field conditions. A single oral treatment for puppies in the 3rd or 4th week of age is recommended. Received: 2 February 2000 / Accepted: 4 February 2000