Effect of Prolactin on Biochemical and Morphological Parameters of Rabbit Liver in Warm Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the degree of liver damage in a rabbit perfused with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK [Custodiol]) solution with and without the presence of prolactin (PRL) based on biochemical studies in perfundate and ultrastructural analysis of hepatocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out on rabbits. Liver ischemia was used in the study, based on Pringle's maneuver. About 70% of the rabbit liver lobes were perfused with HTK with or without the addition of PRL (2.5µg/g liver/h) under ischemic conditions for 2 hours. In the perfundate, the activity of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and lactate concentration were determined. Liver biopsies were collected for histopathologic evaluation under an electron microscope. RESULTS: The addition of PRL to the HTK significantly reduced the leakage of enzymes from the liver to perfundate compared with the control group without PRL. The activity of ALT, AST, LDH, and GGT in the perfundates obtained after 2-hour perfusion with HTK-PRL solution was lower when compared with activity of the same parameters determined in perfundates with liver perfused with HTK without PRL. The area under the curve (AUC0-2h) calculated for GGT, LDH, and lactates was significantly higher after perfusion with the HTK than with HTK with the addition of PRL. In the study group, bile was secreted throughout the whole experiment. The morphological confirmation of these results was obtained by means of transmission microscopy. CONCLUSION: PRL added to the preservation solution significantly inhibits the process of liver cell cytolysis, which may suggest its hepatoprotective effect.

Expression of genes associated with H factor in fibroblasts infected with Borrelia spirochaetes.

Infection with Borrelia spirochaetes leads to the launch of specific and non-specific immunological response in humans. Activation of the complement system is one of the first defence mechanisms against penetrating pathogens. The aim of this study was to select genes related to the alternative pathway of the complement system [including complement factor H (CFH)], differentiating the type of infection in the system model, that is, a culture of normal human diploid fibroblasts infected with three different spirochaete genospecies: Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia burgdorferii sensu stricto, by comparing the infected fibroblast culture with the control fibroblast one. With the use of oligonucleotide microarrays HGU-133A, the differences in the expression of genes selected on the basis of a scientific database Affymetrix were studied by comparing transcriptomes from the four cultures of fibroblasts. In the result of infection of fibroblast cultivation with a specific Borrelia genospecies, a variable expression of certain CFH and complement system-associated genes, specific for one genospecies only, B. afzelii- C1QBP, CD59, C2, CD46 and FHL1; B. garinii - C1S and CLU; Borrelia burgeforii- CFB, A2M and VSIG4, was observed. CFH differentiates infections induced by B. afzelii and B. garinii from infections induced by B. burgdorferii sensu stricto.

Structural changes in the salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus larvae.

The authors analysed the structure of Ixodes ricinus (L.) larvae in specimens immediately after leaving the egg sheaths, in those which have not fed for 2 months after hatching, and in feeding larvae on the second day of feeding. The results showed that salivary glands in tick larvae are formed by alveoli aligned in strands on both sides of the central nervous system. These alveoli open into central efferent ducts via short ducts. The constituent elements of salivary glands include pyramidal alveoli (with numerous lipid droplets) and granular alveoli of varied structure. It is worth noting that salivary alveoli containing secretory material are present even in the larvae which had just left egg sheaths and were still endowed with deutoplasm.

Effects of interaction between cadmium and selenium on heart metabolism in mice: the study of RNA, protein, ANP synthesis activities and ultrastructure in mouse heart.

Heavy metals tend to occur in increasingly many aspects of human activities. Studies of cadmium (Cd) have revealed that it is extremely toxic in its effects. It is known that selenium (Se) may suppress deleterious effects of Cd. We investigated the effects of dietary Cd-intoxication on the incorporation of precursors of RNA, protein and ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) granule synthesis in mouse cardiocytes and compared them with the results of Se interaction with Cd-intoxication. Functional condition of the heart was evaluated on the basis of the number of ANP granules synthesized in cardiocytes of the right atrium in the mice exposed to the tested elements. The experiment was conducted on 100 male white Balby mouse during the period of three months. The animals were divided into four groups. The control group I (C) was fed a standard Murigran diet. Group II (Cd)--received 50 ppm Cd as cadmium acetate in drinking water. Group III (Se) received a standard diet supplemented with 5.0 mg Se/kg DM/24 h as acid sodium selenate. The experimental animals in group IV (Cd + Se)--were fed a diet supplemented with Cd and Se in the same amounts as the above groups. Our results revealed that after 3 months long intoxication with Cd, 3H-uridine and 3H-alanine uptakes to cardiomyocytes were decreased by 33% and 40%, respectively, and fewer ANP granules were synthesized when compared with the controls. Ultrastructure of myocytes proved slightly distorted. Se-intoxicated cardiomyocytes indicated diminished incorporation of RNA synthesis precursors by 17% and 27% in the ventricle and atrium, respectively, in comparison with the controls. Some Se-induced structural changes were observed. Finally, after Se in interaction with Cd intoxication, the uptake of 3H-uridine and 3H-alanine to cardiocytes was higher and the number of ANP granules increased. The values approximated those in the controls. We concluded that: prolonged Cd intoxication disturbed intercellular metabolism by damaging ultrastructural elements and suppressing the incorporation of precursors of RNA, protein and ANP granule synthesis. Se in interaction with Cd revealed protective effects against Cd toxicity. After Cd-Se-intoxication neither metabolic activity nor cardiocyte ultrastructure showed significant differences from those in the controls.

Sense organs in post-embryonic stages of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae). II. Palpal organ.

Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show the differences in structure, number and topography of terminal setae in the palpal organ in different stages of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844. The palpal organ contains eight terminal setae in larvae and nymphs, and ten setae in adults. The length of these setae increases in the course of post-embryonic development. Other setae on palpal segments also undergo quantitative and morphological changes.

Sense organs in post-embryonic stages of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae). I. Tarsal sensory system.

Light and scanning electron microscopic studies showed the differences in morphology and in size of Haller's organ in larvae, nymphs and adults (females and males) of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum Koch, 1844. The length of the anterior pit setae increases during post-embryonic development. The localization of these setae is the same in all stages. Six setae (one porose seta, two grooved setae, two fine setae, one conical seta) contain anterior pit of various developmental stages. In nymphs and adults more numerous pores appear on the wall surface of porose seta than in the larval stage. The structure of the capsule roof also differs in various developmental stages. Haller's organ of Hyalomma m. marginatum shows great degree of morphological development which is connected with the complicated life cycle and feeding behaviour of this tick species.