The influence of the plasma and blood serum of animals of different species-resistance on the assimilation of oxygen and phosphorus by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Summary This paper deals with the effect of the blood plasma and serum of animals with different species-resistance to tuberculosis on the respiration and phosphate assimulation in Koch's bacillus. An ability of the serum in the naturally resistant animals to depress the oxidative phosphorus assimilation inM. tuberculosis was detected, which testifies to the presence in these animals of a humoral factor evidently connected with phenomena of antituberculosis immunity. The latter confirms the fact that the serum of immunized guinea pigs acquires an ability to stop the binding of inorganic phosphate byM. tuberculosis. The factor described is not specific, since it exerts the same effect on the phosphorus metabolism of other microorganisms as well (E. coli).(Presented by Academician V. N. Chernigovskii) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 82–86, April, 1961     

Enhancement of antibacterial and antiviral resistance and immune response by a pharmacopoeial preparation of RNA

Sodium nucleate (SN) substantially increased the resistance of mice to pathogenic strainEscherichia coli 026,Proteus vulgaris,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andSerratia marcescens and had a general stimulating action on nonspecific antibacterial resistance; homologous low-polymer RNA from the liver had a similar stimulating activity. SN enhanced the resistance of animals to viruses of tick-borne encephalitis and encephalomyelitis and increased the number of antibody-forming cells (AFC). Manifestation of the side effect of heat-inactivated vaccine prepared from pathogenicE. coli cells was weakened in animals previously treated with SN.D. I. Ivanovskii Institute of Virology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. D. Timakov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 87, No. 3, pp. 256–259, March, 1979.     

The effect of cortisone on the bactericidal activity of the serum of infected animals

Summary Serum bacterial activity and that of the inflammatory exudate is decreased toB. pneumoniae in infection of white rats and mice with this culture. Bactericidal activity of rats and mice's serum is also reduced after the administration of cortisone. However, in case of preliminary cortisone administration to infected animals the bactericidal activity of the serum and of the exudate remains high or even rises. The change of the serum bactericidal activity is not of decisive significance in the mechanism of decreased resistance of mice toB. pneumoniae under the effect of cortisone.Presented by Active Member of the AMN SSSR V. V. Zakusov     

Stimulating influence of combined immunization with BCG and other vaccines on the immunogenesis of irradiated and nonirradiated mice

Summary Experiments on 1474 white mice showed that the addition of live or killed cells of the BCG vaccine to antigens from Gram-negative bacteria (B. coli, Breslau bacilli, and typhoid bacilli) considerably increased the effectiveness of immunization both of animals irradiated with 300 r, and of nonirradiated animals.The inoculations were made 24 hours after irradiation. The stimulating effect of the BCG vaccine was also marked when the two immunizations were made separately; in this case the BCG vaccine was given first, and the other vaccine 3–10 days later.As a result of the combined immunization, not only did more of the animals infected with living bacteria survive, but, in addition, antibody formation was augmented.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR, N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 54, No. 9, pp. 78–81, September, 1962     

The influence of bacterial polysaccharides upon experimental tissue regeneration

Summary There was no unfavorable effect noted from parenteral administration of polysaccharides obtained fromAz. xylinum (cy ine) or fromE. Coli K-12 (preparation K-12) on the tissue regeneration in foot trauma inflicted on mice. In a number of cases tissue regeneration in animals which received cyine or K-12 preparation was even quicker than in control animals. Evidently, this results from the complex of favorable shifts, such as a more rapid elimination of the infective agents, activation of macrophagic elements and removal of the factor of venous compression by edema fluid.(Presented by Active Member Academy of Medical Sciences USSR V.L. Troitskii) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 107–110, July, 1961     

Characterization of a new phage, termed ϕA318, which is specific for Vibrio alginolyticus

Vibrio alginolyticus is an opportunistic pathogen of animals and humans; its related strains can also produce tetrodotoxin and hemolysins. A new phage, ϕA318, which lysed its host V. alginolyticus with high efficiency, was characterized. The burst size of ϕA318 in V. alginolyticus was 72 PFU/bacterium at an MOI of 1 at room temperature; the plaque size was as large as 5 mm in diameter. Electron microscopy (EM) of the phage particles revealed a 50- to 55-nm isomorphous icosahedral head with a 12-nm non-contractile tail, similar to the T7-like phages of the family Podoviridae. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete sequences of the DNA-directed RNA polymerase gene revealed that ϕA318 had 28-47% amino acid identity to enterobacteria phages T7 and SP6, and other Vibrio phages, and the phylogenetic distance suggested that ϕA318 could be classified as a new T7-like bacteriophage. Nevertheless, several motifs in the ϕA318 phage RNA polymerase were highly conserved, including DFRGR (T7-421 motif), DG (T7-537 motif), PSEKPQDIYGAVS (T7-563 motif), RSMTKKPVMTL PYGS (T7-627 motif), and HDS (T7-811 motif). Genetic analysis indicated that phage ϕA318 is not a thermostable direct hemolysin producer. The results suggest that the MOI should be higher than 0.1 to prevent the chance of hemolysin production by the bacteria before they are lysed by the phage.     

Action of the proteinases of Clostridium oedematiens and Clostridium perfringens on homologous and heterologous toxins

Summary The author elaborated a purifying method for endoproteinases ofCl. oedematiens and Cl.perfringens by precipitation with ammonium sulfate with a subsequent treatment with chloroform and acetone and gel filtration through sefadex G-50. The action of proteinases on partially purified homologous and heterologous toxins was accompanied by a marked drop of toxicity (titration in vivo and in vitro — on tissue culture of chick embryo). Trypsin action on the toxins studied was analogous to the effect produced byCl. oedematiens andCl. perfringens endoproteinases with a simultaneous splitting of a considerable proportion of proteins.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR G. V. Vygodchikov) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 80–83, April, 1964     

The antialdolase activity of plague antiserum and differentiation between aldolase and toxin of Pasteurella pestis

Summary Antiplague serum possesses antialdolase activity. This activity is specific since it was not revealed in normal horse serum. Antialdolase of antiplague serum not only precipitates the aldolase contained in the preparations ofP.pestis toxin (fraction II), but also neutralizes it.By cross serological reactions and by experiments on animals it was revealed thatP.pestis aldolase and toxin were different antigens.Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 84–87, April, 1964     

Action of a serum against irradiated tumor tissue on the mitotic activity of Ehrlich's adenocarcinoma

Summary Experiments proved that, compared with normal rabbit serum, sera against irradiated and nonirradiated tumors had a statistically significant depressive effect on the intensity of malignant cell division in subcutaneous Ehrlich's adenocarcinoma of mice (both in irradiated and nonirradiated animals).All the sera mentioned had no significant effect on the mitotic activity of the corneal epithelium and crypts of the small intestine in experimental animals (both healthy and irradiated). The greatest percentages of undeveloped or weakly developed and necrotic tumors (74%) were observed in the group of irradiated mice and in those that were given the irradiated tumor supressing serum.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 82–85, March 1964     

State of nonspecific resistance in germfree and Escherichia coli contaminated miniature piglets

The phagocytic activity of the leukocytes and the serum complement, properdin, and lysozyme levels were studied in germfree miniature piglets and similar animals ocntaiminated withEscherichia coli 055 andE. coli 083. In the presence of autologous serum and complement phagocytosis ofE. coli 055 cells was inhibited, but it was considerably intensified under the influence of specific opsonins (antibodies againstE. coli 055). Lowered levels of complement, properdin, and lysozyme were found in the germfree animals. After peroral monocontamination withE. coli the formation of properdin and complement was stimulated the most, and that of lysozyme the least. Antibodies againstE. coli 055 were not found in the monocontaminated piglets. The highest lysozyme levels were found in the previously germfree animals, which points to the role of other contamination factors thanE. coli cells in the stimulation of lysozyme. It is concluded that microbial contamination plays an important role in the development of the cellular and humoral factors of resistance.Research Laboratory of Experimental Biological Models, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow Region. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 9, pp. 341–344, September, 1978.     

Comparative study of the biological action of the polysaccharide glucan and laminarin

Summary Polysaccharides glucan and laminarin produce a practically identical preventive effect in experimental staphylococcic sepsis and secure the survival of 76–83% of mice, whereas in control experiments the death rate is 90%.Substantial differences have been revealed in the action of these preparations in sepsis caused by gram-negative microorganisms (E coli.,B. typhi abdominalis,Proteus mirabilis). Glucan in a dose of 20 mg/kg infected intraperitoneally averted the death of animals, whereas laminarin in the same dose proved ineffective.Glucan injected intraperitoneally or intravenously in a dose of 20 mg/kg produced a pronounced antitumor effect against Ehrlich's turmor and sarcoma 180, inhibiting the tumor growth by 53–60%. No inhibitory activity of laminarin with regard to S-180 and Ehrlich's tumor was found under analoguous conditions.(Presented by Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. N. Orekhovich) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 61, No. 5, pp. 79–83, May, 1966     

Significance of bacterial agglutination in the development of experimental sepsis

The development of signs of generalized infection were studied in rats infected with a suspension ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, with dissociated (controls) or agglutinated (experiment) immune serum. All signs of the generalization of the process were reliably lower in the experiment than in the control. A favorable course of the infection after the administration of agglutinated agent indicated that the infection was generalized and secondary foci were initiated during the first days postinoculation, when antibodies to the agent had not yet been produced. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 292–294, September, 1994 Presented by V. D. Fedorov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of adaptation to intermittent normobaric hypoxia on the ultrastructure of cardiac myocytes in pregnant rats

A comparative ultrastructural study of organelles involved in supplying cardiac myocytes with energy (nucleus, mitochondria, microbodies, and lysosomes) in pregnant rats that had been exposed to intermittent normobaric hypoxia and in rats not so exposed showed no significant differences between these two groups of animals. In both groups, glycogen granules were present in the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, and microbodies (peroxisomes) of cardiac myocytes, and many of their mitochondria had a dense matrix and appeared hyperplastic. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 6, pp. 597–602, June, 1995 Presented by A. V. Smol'yannikov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Local Schwartzmann's phenomenon in germfree guinea pigs

To reproduce the local Schwartzmann phenomenon, heat-killed cells ofCitrobacter orEscherichia coli were injected intradermally and intravenously into 11 germfree guinea pigs, two guinea pigs monoassociated withCitrobacter, and 25 control guinea pigs. All the germfree animals were refractory to the phenomenon, whereas 20 of the 25 control animals gave a positive reaction. A zone of infiltration at the site of intradermal injection was present in all the control guinea pigs but in none of the germfree animals. The possible primary and secondary mechanisms of suppression of the Schwartzmann phenomenon in the absence of the normal microflora are discussed.N. F. Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR G. V. Vygodchikov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 80, No. 7, pp. 76–78, July, 1975.     

Secondary immunological reactivity in invertebrate animals

Summary The authors discuss the possibility of immune antibody production by marine invertebrates. Molluscs were immunized by extracts of Chordata (Styela rustica,Molgula retortiformis,Boltenia echinata), animals of higher organization than the molluscs. It was shown with the aid of the ring precipitation test that the corresponding antibodies appear in the celomic fluid of experimental animals 7–12 days after the completion of immunization. No appearance of antibodies was noted when more highly organized animals were immunized with the tissue of animals with a lower level of organization.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR, N. G. Khlopin) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 50, No. 12, pp. 62–65, December, 1960     

Age resistance of frogs to hypoxia combined with toxic depression of respiratory phosphorylation

Summary Experiments were performed onRana temporaria during their first and second year of life after metamorphosis. It was demonstrated that in comparison with adult frogs (aged 3 to 4 years) they possess a higher resistance to the combination of exclusion of respiration (by means of curare or urethan) with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) intoxication. These age differences of resistance may apparently be explained by the fact that in younger animals the skin surface is more extensive, which provides a better oxygen supply after exclusion of the respiration. Young frogs possess a lower resistance to DNP intoxication and are less resistant than adult animals to low partial oxygen pressure, as well as to the combination of low partial oxygen pressure with DNP intoxication.Presented by V. V. Parin, Active Member of the AMN SSSR     

The influence of hibernation on the development of experimental tumors inCitellus maximus Pall.

Summary A tumor caused by the administration of 9, 10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene developed in oneCitellus maximus Pall. from the non-hibernating group in one year and eleven months. Within five months it reached the size of 50×46×23 mm. This neoformation proved to be a spindlecell sarcoma with considerable polymorphism. It is markedly transplantable. No signs of tumor growth were detected in the experimental group of animals which were in a deep summer hibernation for two weeks.(Presented by Active Member of the Akad. Med. Nauk SSSR V. V. Parin) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 96–98, July, 1961     

Species differences in the disturbances of carbohydrate and ascorbic acid metabolism of rodents following administration of plague toxin

Summary The effect of plague toxin (fraction II ofPasteurella pestis No. 137) on the liver glycogen and blood sugar contents, and on the ascorbic acid contents of the adrenals, spleen, liver, and lungs has been examined for five species of rodents, which differed in their sensitivity to the toxin; these were: white mice (highly sensitive), gerbils (Meriones meridianus nogaiorum Heptn.) and emuranchiks (Scirtopoda telum Licht.) (less sensitive), and guinea pigs and dwarf gophers (Citellus pygmaeus Pall.) (highly resistant). Intraperitoneal injection of toxin was followed within 30 minutes by a fall in liver glycogen content, a rise in blood sugar level, and a fall in the ascorbic acid content of the organs examined. The magnitude of the changes observed showed some correlation with the sensitivity of the given species to the toxin. Injection of toxin into hibernating dwarf gophers had no effect on their liver glycogen or blood sugar contents, or on the ascorbic acid contents of the adrenals and spleen, whereas in the spring, after termination of hibernation, these animals were as sensitive to the toxin as were white mice.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental' noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. ,No. 5, pp. 63–67,     

The blood chemistry of the lower monkeys

Summary A comparative biochemical examination of the blood of healthy people and of lower monkeys was conducted. The content of various proteins and mineral substances in the blood of lower monkeys (Macacus rhesus) was compared with that in healthy people. Certain differences in the content of proteins and in the distribution of the nonprotein nitrogen substances in the blood of human beings as compared to the blood of lower monkeys may be considered to be species specific. On the other hand the indices of the mineral metabolism in lower animals show a considerable similarity to these indices in man. Therefore, a further profound study of the nitrogen metabolism indices has future prospects from the comparative-biochemical point of view.assisted by O. V. Kekelidze and T. V. PruidzePresented by Active Member of the AMN SSSR V. V. Parin     

Effect of ionizing radiation on the development of immunity by immunization with live tularemia vaccine

Summary The process of formation of postvaccinal immunity against tularemia after immunization with the living tularemia vaccine is very radioresistant. Experiments were performed on guinea pigs. These animals were irradiated with various x-ray doses, ranging from 10–20 (30) LD to 50–60 (30) LD, at different periods before the vaccination and 24 hr after it. Such irradiation caused only a moderate reduction in intensity of the postvaccinal immunity. The process of postvaccinal immunity formation was found to be even more radioresistant in white mice, in which irradiation provoked an acute exacerbation of the vaccinal infection. The authors compare the ability of the irradiated and normal organisms to form immunity and the intensity of immunobiological reactions (antibody synthesis, inflamuratory reaction at the site of vaccine injection, the ability of the tissues to render the virulentPast.tularensis harmless, allergic reaction to tularin).(Presented by Active Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. V. Parin) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi biologii i Meditsiny Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 94–98, May, 1960