Biomedical subjects

M Toman

Publications and source records attributed to M Toman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Experimental Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in piglets with different types and levels of specific protection: immunophenotypic analysis of lymphocyte subsets in the circulation and respiratory mucosal lymphoid tissue.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) infection in piglets results in severe and fatal fibrinous hemorrhagic necrotizing pneumoniae. The aim of our study was to analyze changes in lymphocyte subset distribution in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and tracheobronchal lymph nodes (TLN) in non-immune piglets upon a challenge with a high dose of APP and to compare the quality of such changes in unprotected piglets with counterparts exhibiting specific immunity mediated by high titers of colostrum-derived APP-specific antibodies and/or a low dose APP infection in the early postnatal period. Challenge with APP resulted in a massive increase in CD8-negative gammadelta T-cells in parallel with a reduction in numbers of CD3-CD8low cells in BALF independent of the type and level of immunity and this seems to be a general phenomenon associated with experimental infection. An increase in B-lymphocyte numbers in TLN was another characteristic feature accompanying APP infection in all experimental groups. In piglets with colostrum-derived APP-specific antibodies, this was associated with higher relative numbers of IgM+CD2+ lymphocytes in TLN, while B-cells with the CD2- surface phenotype apparently expanded in the absence of passive humoral immunity.

Actinobacillus Infections↗

PubMed2005

Lymphatic organ development in dogs: major lymphocyte subsets and activity.

In the present study, we have characterized lymphocyte subsets and activity in peripheral blood, spleen, mesenteric and popliteal lymph nodes in pups from birth till the age of one month and compared the results with the situation in the group of three adult dogs. In neonatal pups, lower numbers of CD3(+) T-cells were detected in both the spleen and peripheral blood than in lymph nodes. In contrast to the other compartments, CD21(+) B-cells prevailed in the spleen, which resulted in low values (<1) of the CD3(+)/CD21(+) ratio. Low numbers of CD8(+) lymphocytes were characteristic in all compartments immediately after birth; consequently a high CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio has been calculated. Postnatal development was characterized by an increasing frequency of CD8(+) lymphocytes in all organs studied. Another typical feature of the early period of life was a relative decrease of B-cell numbers, which was compensated by an increasing proportion of T-lymphocytes, particularly in the peripheral blood and spleen. DNA synthesis in newborn pups' cells as measured by in vitro thymidine incorporation was surprisingly high in non-stimulated control samples, notably in the spleen. Further development of lymphocyte activity was characterized by the decline in spontaneous activity in all organs. Stimulation indices upon mitogen-induced proliferation increased proportionally to the decrease in spontaneous activity. Based on our experimental data, we have concluded that pups are born with a relatively competent immune system the structure of which, however, markedly develops during a few postnatal weeks.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Effect of luting agents and reconstruction techniques on the fracture resistance of pre-fabricated post systems.

Fracture resistance and fracture modes of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors restored with different post-and-core systems covered with all-ceramic copings were evaluated. Ten samples were prepared for each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3 consisted of tooth-coloured post-and-core, zirconia post (Cosmopost) with a composite core (Tetric Ceram), zirconia post (Cosmopost) with a custom made ceramic core (Cosmo Ingot), glass fibre-reinforced post (FRC Postec) with a composite core (Tetric Ceram), respectively. Group 4 consisted of a titanium post (ERpost) with a composite core (Tetric Ceram). The control group (group 5) consisted of root-filled incisors without posts. Tooth-coloured posts were cemented in the roots using Variolink-2, while titanium posts were cemented in the roots using Harvard cement. The all-ceramic copings were cemented using Variolink-2. Static load was applied to 2 mm below the incisal edge on the palatinal surface of each sample until they were fractured. Fracture data were obtained and statistically analysed with One-way anova and a Tukey's test. The results of the means and standard deviations of the fracture resistance during static loading were: 497.5 +/- 61.94 (1), 474.61 +/- 96.84 (2), 494.61 +/- 104.67 (3), 581.34 +/- 105.36 (4), 420.42 +/- 127.48 (5). There were statistically significant differences between groups 4 and 5. Glass fibre-reinforced posts and composite cores (group 3) showed the most catastrophic failure. Consequently, zirconia ceramic posts can be used in clinical practice.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2005

Systemic and local antibody responses after experimental infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in piglets with passive or active immunity.

The objectives of the present study was to describe different dynamics of humoral immune responses to experimental infection in piglets of different stages of infection and immunity. Two groups of piglets originating from non-immune (group 1) and immune (group 2) sows at the age of 3 weeks were subdivided as follows: a half of each group of piglets was exposed to a low-dose infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) strain 9. At the age of 8 weeks, all four groups of piglets were challenged with a high infection dose of APP of the same strain. Isotype characterization of the specific antibodies in sera and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) to a lipopolysaccharide was carried out, besides monitoring clinical signs and post-mortem examinations. A typical primary immune response was observed in specific antibody-free piglets infected with a challenge infection. Colostrum-derived immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibodies persisted in sera and BALF of piglets up to the age of 8 weeks. However, they did not prevent induction of specific-primary antibody response, either in 8 or 4 weeks of age, when levels of specific colostrum-derived antibodies were still high. It was demonstrated by the increase of specific IgM antibodies in sera. The infection induced an increase in the levels of IgA antibodies in BALF regardless the severity of infection and presence of specific colostrum-derived antibodies. The specific antibodies of IgG isotype increased only in BALF from piglets without colostrum-derived antibodies.

Actinobacillus Infections↗

PubMed2002

Postnatal development of leukocyte subset composition and activity in dogs.

The aim of the presentation is to summarise our data on the counts and activity of circulating canine leukocytes at birth and on their changes in the first 3 months of life. On day 1, neutrophil counts were almost three times higher than lymphocyte counts. During the first week of life, a decrease of neutrophil and an increase of lymphocyte counts, resulting in a predominance of lymphocytes, were observed. Neutrophil counts reached values comparable with those in adults in 1 month. Lymphocyte counts were higher than those in adults during the first 3 months. From birth to the age of 3 months, the phagocytic activity of neutrophils was nonsignificantly higher than in young adults. When compared with adults, the peripheral blood of new-born pups contained a lower proportion of T lymphocytes (detected by CD3 and CD5 markers), with a very low percentage of CD8(+) cells and a higher proportion of CD21(+) B lymphocytes. The counts of individual subsets levelled out during the first 3 months of life, although the proportion of CD21(+) B cells remained higher all the time. Lymphocytes of new-born pups were able to respond to nonspecific mitogen stimulation. Spontaneous proliferation in vitro was higher during the first week of life. Although in vitro stimulation of lymphocytes with Concanavalin A in some pups was comparable with that of adult dogs, mean activity was weaker. Pups with zero or very low levels of maternal antibodies were able to develop specific immune responses to a parvovirus antigen as early as at 2 weeks of age. On the basis of these data, we assume that pups are born with an immune system that can respond to external stimuli. Nevertheless its development continues in the postnatal period and some parameters differ from adult values for at least 3 months after birth.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The intrauterine environment is a strong determinant of glucose tolerance during the neonatal period, even in prematurity.

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of birth weight and gestational age to glucose tolerance in premature neonates. The study group consisted of 100 premature and/or small-for-gestational age infants. Anthropometric measurements were performed both at birth and at the time of a standardized milk feed carried out at 19.6 +/- 12.1 d (range, 1-65 d) after birth. Fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin levels were measured. Birth weight, as a proxy mirror of the intrauterine environment, was found to influence the glucose concentration following a standardized milk feed (beta = -0.46; P = 0.01 for birth weight z-score with 60-min glucose level), whereas gestational age did not. Small-for-gestational age neonates had higher 60-min insulin levels than appropriate-for-gestational age neonates (115.4 +/- 9.5 vs. 68.4 +/- 14.2; P < 0.05) despite similar glucose levels. Neonates born of mothers who were on antihypertensive treatment were smaller and had a higher insulin secretory response than neonates from normotensive mothers. Postnatal growth velocity (kilograms per day) correlated with birth weight (beta = -0.65; P < 0.0001) and insulin resistance (beta = -0.31; P = 0.0004), independently of each other. This study shows that glucose tolerance of the neonate is determined by weight attained at birth irrespective of gestational age and that maternal blood pressure may influence insulin sensitivity of the newborn. Furthermore, catch-up growth in neonates is determined by birth weight and insulin sensitivity.

Birth Weight↗

PubMed2001

Lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of dogs--a flow cytometric study.

Slight differences in the results of papers describing lymphocyte subsets distribution in the peripheral blood of healthy dogs may be explained by differences in monoclonal antibody clones and sources, breed and age of animals examined, methods of sample treatment, or methods of result analysis. In this paper, we described the effect of sample processing and of sample storage as well as the effect of age, breed, and gender of dogs on lymphocyte subset distribution. No significant differences were found between samples processed following a whole-blood lysis method and samples processed after density gradient separation. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between samples processed within 2h after collection and those stored at 4 degrees C for 12-16 h before processing. Age-related changes were evident in lymphocyte subset distribution in the peripheral blood of 38 Beagles divided according to their age into the six groups: (1) 5-6 days; (2) 2 months; (3) 6 months; (4) 1-2 years; (5) 3-5 years; and (6) >5 years. The percentage of B-lymphocytes (CD21-like positive cells) in the peripheral blood of newborn pups was 39.5+/-5.7 and decreased with advancing age. The percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes was 7.7+/-3.4 after birth and increased with advancing age. No age-related changes were observed in the percentages of CD4+ lymphocytes. The CD4+:CD8+ ratio decreased with advancing age. No significant age-related change was observed for lymphocytes bearing the gammadelta-TCR. Some breed differences were evident. Adult (1-5-year-old) Beagles, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and Dachshunds were examined. The percentages of lymphocytes were higher in Beagles and Dachshunds than in Dalmatians and German Shepherds. The highest and the lowest absolute lymphocyte counts were found in Beagles and German Shepherds, respectively. As a consequence, German Shepherds showed the lowest absolute counts of the individual lymphocyte subpopulations and the widest neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. Dalmatians showed the lowest percentage of CD3+ cells, the highest percentage of CD21+ cells, and the lowest CD4+:CD8+ ratio. German Shepherds showed the lowest percentage of CD21+ cells and the highest CD4+:CD8+ ratio. Females in Beagles and Dachshuns had nonsignificantly higher percentages of total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, and nonsignificantly lower percentages of CD21+ lymphocytes. We concluded that there are age-, breed-, and perhaps also gender-related differences in lymphocyte subset distribution in the peripheral blood of dogs. Therefore, there is need to use appropriate control group in the experimental protocols. Among-breed differences could explain, at least partly, breed predisposition for some diseases.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2001

Weight-related differences in glucose metabolism and free fatty acid production in two South African population groups.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of free fatty acids (FFA), leptin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and body fat distribution on in vivo oxidation of a glucose load were studied in two South African ethnic groups. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric and various metabolic indices were measured at fasting and during a 7 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and subcutaneous and visceral fat mass was assessed using a five- and two-level CT-scan respectively. Glucose oxidation was evaluated by measuring the ratio of (13)CO(2) to (12)CO(2) in breath following ingestion of 1-(13)C-labelled glucose. SUBJECTS: Ten lean black women (LBW), ten obese black women (OBW), nine lean white women (LWW) and nine obese white women (OWW) were investigated after an overnight fast. RESULTS: Visceral fat levels were significantly higher (P<0.01) in obese white than black women, despite similar body mass indexes (BMIs). There were no ethnic differences in glucose oxidation however; in the lean subjects of both ethnic groups the area under the curve (AUC) was higher than in obese subjects (P<0.05 for both) and was found to correlate negatively with weight (r=-0.69, P<0.01) after correcting for age. Basal TNF alpha concentrations were similar in all groups. Percentage suppression of FFAs at 30 min of the OGTT was 24+/-12% in OWW and -38+/-23% (P<0.05) in OBW, ie the 30 min FFA level was higher than the fasting level in the latter group. AUC for FFAs during the late postprandial period (120--420 min) was significantly higher in OWW than OBW (P<0.01) and LWW (P<0.01) and correlated positively with visceral fat mass independent of age (r=0.78, P<0.05) in the OWW only. Leptin levels were higher (P<0.01) both at fasting and during the course of the OGTT in obese women from both ethnic groups compared to the lean women. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose oxidation is reduced in obese subjects of both ethnic groups; inter- and intra-ethnic differences were observed in visceral fat mass and FFA production and it is possible that such differences may play a role in the differing prevalences of obesity-related disorders that have been reported in these two populations.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2001

Immunosuppression in bitches with pyometra.

The function of the immune system was studied in 34 bitches affected by pyometra. The mean age of the animals was 8.1 +/- 2.8 years. Samples of peripheral blood were examined using a battery of immunological tests. Data obtained from four sets of animals, grouped according to the severity of their disease, were compared. Leucocytosis (neutrophilia and partial monocytosis) and lymphopenia were detected in 62 per cent and 35 per cent of the bitches, respectively. The increase in the number of leucocytes was higher in the severely affected bitches. Inhibition of mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation was the characteristic feature of the immunological profile in bitches affected by pyometra, and this corresponded with the impairment of the general state of health. Sera from bitches showing functional inhibition of lymphocytes suppressed the activity of lymphocytes isolated from normal dogs. Sera from bitches affected by pyometra also had higher levels of immunoglobulins, lysozyme and circulating immune complexes. It can be concluded that pyometra is associated with an inflammatory response, but also with a marked suppression of immune system activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Variations among unbred heifers in the activities of polymorphonuclear leucocytes from the mammary gland and blood.

The phenotypic characteristics are described for the activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes NMN) obtained by either lavage of the cavity system of juvenile mammary glands stimulated with a synthetic muramyl dipeptide analogue or isolation from the peripheral blood. Attention was paid to the variability of characteristics and its sources, and to correlations among them. The following characteristics were investigated in 27 clinically healthy, unbred Bohemian Red Pied x Holstein heifers: migration activity in situ, number of phagocytosing PMN, phagocytotic index, bactericidal activity of PMN and unstimulated and zymosan-stimulated luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Considerable individual variation was found in the characteristics. Significant differences between blood PMN and PMN from lavages after influx induction were found for bactericidal activity (P < 0.05) and chemiluminescence (P < 0.01). A significant correlation between blood PMN and mammary gland PMN was found only for the number of phagocytosing cells (r = 0.329; P < 0.01). Highly significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) were demonstrated between the number of phagocytosing PMN [a], phagocytotic index [b], and bactericidal activity [c] in both blood PMN (r(ab) = 0.602; r(ac) = 0.565; r(bc) = 0.529) and mammary gland PMN (r(ab) = 0.730, r(ac) = 0.618, r(bc) = 0.589). No significant correlation was demonstrated for non-stimulated (NS), zymosan-stimulated (ZS), or opsonized zymosan-stimulated (OZS) chemiluminescence with any of the other characteristics of phagocytotic activity, in either blood PMN or mammary gland PMN (P > 0.05). The animal was a highly significant source of variability for all the phagocytotic activity characteristics (P < 0.01). Udder quarter was a non-significant source of variability for all the characteristics of phagocytotic activity except for NS chemiluminescence (P < 0.05) and ZS or OZS chemiluminescence (P < 0.01). However, udder quarter was a non-significant source of variability of chemiluminescence indices ZS/NS and OZS/NS (P > 0.05). It has been demonstrated that in situ migration activity, the number of phagocytosing PMN, phagocytotic index, bactericidal activity of PMN and chemiluminescence indices of PMN collected from juvenile mammary glands of unbred heifers after influx induction can be regarded as candidate early markers of resistance to mammary infections.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Ethnic differences in lipid metabolism in two groups of obese South African women.

There is a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in South African white than black women. The objective of this study was to determine biochemical explanations for this prevalence. The study group contained 15 obese black women (OBW) and 14 obese white women (OWW), all premenopausal, who were examined after an overnight fast. Anthropometric measurements and blood concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), catecholamines, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, C-peptide, proinsulin, lipograms, cortisol, growth hormone, and post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activity were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and subcutaneous and visceral fat mass were assessed with CT-scans. Visceral fat area was higher in OWW (139.7 +/- 10.7 cm(2)) than in OBW (72.3 +/- 3.9 cm(2)) (P < 0.01), as were fasting and 3 h triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.05 for all). OWW also had higher NEFA levels than OBW at 3 and 4 h compared with OBW (P < 0.05 for both). Fasting cortisol (266 +/- 24 vs. 197 +/- 19 nmol/l; P < 0.05) was higher in OWW than in OBW. These data demonstrate that OWW have higher visceral fat mass than OBW, which may lead to a more atherogenic fasting and postprandial lipid profile. The higher cortisol levels of the OWW may promote visceral fat deposition.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Fatal toxoplasmosis in brown hares (Lepus europaeus): possible reasons of their high susceptibility to the infection.

Brown hares (Lepus europaeus) trapped in the countryside and domestic rabbits were experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii (K7 strain) oocysts. Hares (n=12) were divided into groups of 4 and infected with 10, 10(3) and 10(5) oocysts. Rabbits (n=12) were infected in the same way. The experimentally infected animals were monitored for 33 days after infection (p.i.). Most of the infected hares demonstrated behavioural changes, and all of them died between 8 and 19 days p.i. Three of the rabbits demonstrated only clinical changes related to the concurrent pasteurellosis. The typical pathological finding in the hares were haemorrhagic enteritis, enlargement and hyperaemia of mesenteric lymph nodes, splenomegaly and multiple miliary necrotic lesions in the parenchyma of the liver and other organs. Pathological changes in the rabbits were less pronounced than in the hares. In rabbit brains, tissue cysts of the T. gondii were found. The incidence of T. gondii antibodies both in the hares and the rabbits was first ascertained on day 7 p.i. On day 12 p.i., antibodies were already found in all the animals infected. Antibody titres in indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using the anti-rabbit conjugate were markedly higher in rabbits than in hares. In all hares, T. gondii was isolated post mortem from the liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles. Although T. gondii was also isolated in all rabbits, it was not always isolated in all their organs. In all hares, parasitemia was demonstrated on days 7 and 12 p.i. The percentage of rabbits with detected parasitemia was lower. In hares, a decrease in the numbers of leukocytes during the infection was observed. No such decrease was observed in the rabbits. The lymphocyte activity after the stimulation with non-specific mitogens showed significant differences between the hares and the rabbits even before the infection. After the infection, the hares infected with 10(3) and 10(5) doses and in rabbits infected with a 10(5) dose showed a decrease of lymphocyte activity. Rabbits infected with a 10(3) dose showed an increase of the lymphocyte activity. While in hares toxoplasmosis was an acute and fatal disease, the infection in rabbits had subclinical manifestations only and easily passed to a latent stage. The different courses of toxoplasmosis in the hare and the rabbit may be due to the differences in the natural sensitivity of the two species to the T. gondii infection or a negative impact of stress to the immune status of hares.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Relation between weight gain and beta-cell secretory activity and non-esterified fatty acid production in 7-year-old African children: results from the Birth to Ten study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to assess the effects of fetal and childhood growth on beta-cell activity and insulin sensitivity in 7-year-old children. METHODS: Insulin, des-31,32 proinsulin, proinsulin, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations were measured in oral glucose tolerance tests in 152 South African children for whom longitudinal weight data was available. RESULTS: Children with low weights at birth and 7 years (low-low) had relatively low beta-cell activity whereas children with low birth weight and high weight at 7 years (low-high) had relatively high beta-cell activity. The low-low group had higher 30-min glucose concentrations than children with high birth weights. When each insulin-related peptide was expressed as a percentage of all these peptides the low-low children had the highest percentage of insulin but the lowest of the prohormones. The low-high children had the lowest percentage of insulin but the highest of the prohormones. Non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were lowest and their suppression post-glucose load highest in the low-high group. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Poor fetal and neonatal growth give rise to low beta-cell numbers compensated for by increased efficiency of proinsulin processing to insulin. Poor fetal followed by higher postnatal growth results in low beta-cell numbers and reduced whole-body glucose uptake which leads to reduced efficiency in the processing of proinsulin. Growth in utero and postnatally therefore have profound effects on beta-cell activity and insulin sensitivity with poor fetal coupled with high postnatal growth being detrimental to these processes but not detrimental to the suppression of lipolysis.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Epidemiology of feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections in the Czech Republic.

Commercial serological sets were used for the examination of 727 cats kept in larger towns of the Czech Republic. FeLV antigen and antibodies to FIV were demonstrated in 96 (13.2%) and 42 (5.8%) of the animals, respectively. Seven (0.96%) animals were positive for both FeLV and FIV. Most of the FeLV and/or FIV positive patients were intact rambling males aged 1-4 years. Chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases were found in 54.2% and 43.8% of the FeLV-positive patients, respectively. Chronic urinary tract diseases and generalized lymphadenopathy were found in 47.6% and 45.2% of the FIV-positive patients, respectively. The results of this first survey in the Czech Republic have shown prevalence values and clinical patterns similar to those reported formerly from other European countries.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Secondary immunodeficiency in dogs with enteric, dermatologic, infectious or parasitic diseases.

A group of 238 dogs with various infectious and parasitic disease, in which suppressed activity of the immune system could e presumed, was examined using a set of immunological methods. The frequency and depth of immunosuppression and its association with certain infectious or parasitic disease were determined. Marked immunosuppression was found 62 (26%) of the dogs examined. Dogs with distemper, parvovirosis and German Shepherd dog pyoderma (GSP) were the most severely impaired. Dogs in acute phases of distemper or parvovirosis had decreased numbers and activity of lymphocytes and decreased immunoglobulin levels. Dogs with GSP had some of the following immunologic symptoms: inhibition of phagocytosis, reduced activity of lymphocytes, decreased levels of haemolytic complement and increased levels of immunoglobulin and lysozyme. A persistent immunosuppression was found in 12 dogs. These dogs were diagnosed with deep pyoderma, giardiasis, dermatophytosis or neoplasms. Although samples were not taken before the clinical diseases appeared, it can be presumed that some diseases caused immunosuppression (distemper or parvovirosis), and for other diseases immunosuppression was a predisposing factor (dermatophytosis, giardiasis and possibly GSP).

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Immunosuppression in dogs with pyoderma and/or demodicosis.

The occurrence of decreased activity of the immune system was studied in a group of 66 dogs with various combinations of pyoderma and demodicosis. Our complex examination of the dogs included the following: leukocyte count, differential count, phagocytosis, blastogenic lymphocyte transformation and quantitation of total serum immunoglobulins, lysozyme and haemolytic complement. Immunosuppression was found in 19 (28.8%) cases. Immunosuppression was rare in dogs with demodicosis and did not appear without a concurrent pyoderma. An increase in the neutrophil counts and total serum immunoglobulin levels significant was found in dogs with demodicosis combined with pyoderma. On the contrary, marked immunosuppression was detected in dogs with deep pyoderma. A considerable immunosuppression was present in 7 of 10 German shepherds dog pyoderma (GSP). Significant depressions were found in phagocyte activity and lymphocyte activity. Immunosuppression was observed in 4 of 9 dogs in other breeds with uncomplicated deep pyoderma. All groups of dogs with pyoderma showed a significant increase in total serum immunoglobulins. Conclusion from these findings is that deep pyoderma more than Demodicosis was concerned with immunosuppression. German shepherds with deep pyoderma had more expressed immunosuppression than other breeds.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Effects of environmental pollutants on the porcine and bovine immune systems.

Immunological examinations were done in 30 fattening pigs from three swine farms (D., M., T.) and 20 dairy cows from one cattle farm (N.) in the district of Hodonín in 1994. At the same time, samples of stable dust deposits collected in the four farms were analysed for the contents of mercury, cadmium, lead, gamma-HCH (lindane), and total DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Decreased blood level of lysozyme (0.92 mg/l) was found in the swine herd D. Ten percent of the pigs in the herd were affected with purulent skin lesions. The concentrations of the pollutants under study in the dust deposits collected in the herd D. were low. An increased concentration of PCB (0.263 mg/kg) in stable dust but no adverse effects on the immune system were found in the swine herd M. Eosinophilia (6.2%), increased extensity of Ascaris suum infection (25%) and a high content of lead in stable dust (11.2 mg/kg) were typical of the swine herd T. A high content of lindane (0.139 mg/kg) and an extremely high content of lead (214 mg/kg), which can participate in the immunosuppression of lymphocytes, were found in the cattle herd N. The activity of lymphocytes was depressed in 35% of the cows and the mean value was at the lower limit of the physiological range. Hazardous pollutants can affect the immune system of farm animals and their penetration into the stable environment should be prevented.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Enhancement of antibody response to bovine herpesvirus 1 with non-specific immunostimulants.

Stimulatory effects of aluminium hydroxide, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), muramyldipeptide (MDP), and empty liposomes on the antigenicity of inactivated bovine herpesvirus 1 were tested in mice. Compared with the standard effect of aluminium hydroxide, stronger antibody responses were observed in mice treated with empty liposomes or LPS alone, or a combination thereof. The strongest antibody response was recorded in mice treated with a combination of inactivated BHV-1, MDP and empty liposomes.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗