Phylogenetic similarity of the canine parvovirus wild-type isolates on the basis of VP1/VP2 gene fragment sequence analysis.

Biological material was taken from dogs with diarrhoea. Faecal samples were taken from within live animals and intestinal tract fragments (i.e. small intestine, and stomach) were taken from dead animals. In total, 18 specimens were investigated from dogs housed alone or in large groups. To test for the presence of the virus, latex (On Site Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden) and direct immunofluorescence tests were performed. At the same time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers complementary to a conservative region of VP1/VP2 was carried out. The products of amplification were analysed on 2% agarose gel. The purified products were cloned with the Template Generation System (Finnzymes, Espoo, Finland) using a transposition reaction and positive clones were searched using the 'colony screening by PCR' method. The sequencing gave 12 sequences of VP1/VP2 gene fragments that were of high similarity. Among the 12 analysed sequences, six exhibited 88% similarity, four exhibited 100% similarity and two exhibited 71% similarity.

[The effectiveness of paramunization for the control of feline coryza]. / Untersuchungen über die Wirksamkeit der Paramunisierung zur Bekämpfung des Katzenschnupfens.

20 cats in a cat home were treated prophylactically and therapeutically with Baypamun HK. The animals were allocated into three groups as described. 7 freshly admitted clinically healthy cats were treated prophylactically on day 1, 2 and 9 with 1 ml Baypamun HK (group I). 7 cats, who already were allocated for one year in the home and were sick of the feline respiratory disease complex were treated as described for group I (group II). 6 further cats, who also showed symptoms of the feline respiratory disease complex and had stayed for one year in the home were treated with physiol.saline solution according to group I (group III). From all cats blood samples were taken at day 1, 3, 10 and 17. The blood samples were checked for antibodies against feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), panleukopenia virus (PLV), feline peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Also the occurrence of the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was evaluated. The cellular immunity was evaluated by means of the lymphocyte transformations test (LTT), nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction test (NBT) and cytochrome C-reduction test (CRT). Mean value and standard deviation was calculated from the results. The significance was determined by the t-test. The animals were examined clinically daily for 20 days for the feline respiratory disease complex. When necessary, the animals were treated by homeopathic and antibiotic products. At the time of admission to the home all cats were or had been treated with an attenuated panleukopenia vaccine. The serologic parameters were not influenced in the cats of group I.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino acids and cholesterol levels of leukemic lymphocytes infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV).

We performed qualitative and quantitative amino acids analysis of lymphocytes from normal and leukemic cattle (infected with bovine leukemia virus) to determine cellular cholesterol levels. Leukemic lymphocytes exhibited quantitative differences in the levels of some "glycogenic", "ketogenic" and "glyco-ketogenic" amino acids. These differences may reflect the disturbances of Krebs cycle. Evidence was produced that increased cholesterol content in the above lymphocytes was associated with disorders in beta-oxidation processes of leukemic cells.

[Effect of carotenoids on selected indicators of cellular immunity in cockerels receiving food with high level of vitamin A]. / Wplyw karotenoidów na wygrane wskazniki odpornosci komórkowej u kogutków rzeznych zywionych pasza o wysokiej zawartosci witaminy A.

The experiment was carried out on 50 slaughter cocks, aged 5 weeks. The purpose of the experiment was to estimate the effect of beta-carotene and apo-beta-carotenoic acid (10% Carophyll yellow) on some indices of cellular immunity in chicks receiving the feed of high vitamin A content. Chl and NBT proved that carotenoids increased phagocytic activity of neutrophiles in peripheral blood. Similarly, in the case of beta-carotene it was found by blastic transformation test that on 30-40th day of the experiment, the value IS of peripheral blood lymphocytes was increased. On the other hand, chicks fed apo-beta-carotenoic acid showed such an effect on 40th day of observation only in the case when the lowest dose of preparation (24 mg/kg of feed) and Con A as mitogen were applied. In each experimental group, the chicks exhibited increased flavin content in liver and markedly increased retinol content due to apo-beta-carotenoic acid (24 mg/kg of feed). On the other hand, the contents of alpha tocopherol and ascorbic acid did not show significant differences between experimental and control groups. Similar were the results with iron, zinc and magnesium. Copper content of the liver was markedly increased in the birds receiving apo-beta-carotenoic acid in the dose of 24 mg/kg of feed. The increased content of manganese was observed in the liver of birds receiving beta carotene (6 mg/kg of feed).

In vitro studies into some parameters of protein and carbohydrate metabolism in lymphocytes infected with bovine leucosis virus.

Several parameters of protein and carbohydrate metabolism were determined in normal and leukemic lymphocytes in vitro in cattle, including arylamidase activity toward beta-naphthylamides of L-amino acids. The homogenate of bovine leukemic lymphocytes, in comparison with the control revealed increase of gamma-glutamyltransferase, activity trypsin inhibitor and papain inhibitor concentration and aldolase activity. On the other hand, proteolytic activity toward casein and histomucoid content decreased. Out of the 7 substrates used in the study, only 2, alanyl-beta-naphthylamide and leucyl-beta-naphthylamide, demonstrated lower activity in the leukemic material. Disorders in carbohydrate and protein metabolism in the observed lymphocytes in vitro in cattle are presented in the paper.

The content of fatty acids in leukemic lymphocytes in vitro in cattle.

In leukemic lymphocytes in vitro obtained from cattle the fatty acids content has been determined employing the method of gas chromatography of methyl esters. Significant increase of linolic acid (C18 = 2) and of linolenic acid (C18 = 3) in leukemic lymphocytes have been noted, while reduced amounts of eicanoic acid (C20) and arachidonic acid (C20 = 4) have been observed. Fatty acids contribution in destabilization of biological membranes of leukemic cells has been discussed. It is very likely that the destabilization of biological membranes promotes the "induction" of various cancero- and cocancerogenetic changes, as well as enables the penetration of leukemovirus into the cell.

Phospholipids and cholesterol in the liver mitochondrial fraction in mice with transplantable leukemia P 388.

BDF1 hybrid mice, were given 10(4) lymphatic leukemia cells P 388 intraperitoneally. They were killed on 5th day and 11th day of the experiment. In the plasma the level of cholesterol was determined. Inner organs, i.e. liver, spleen, lymph nodes and thymus were verified histopathologically. Mitochondrial fraction lipids were extracted from liver and separated by thin layer chromatography. It was proved that the amount of mitochondrial fraction lipids of leukemic mice was considerably higher than in healthy mice and it increased together with the process of the neoplasma. In the group of leukemic animals the level of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cholesterol and sphingomyelin increased in comparison with healthy mice. The results concerning phospholipids and cholesterol level in leukemic animals were interpreted in the aspect of the interaction of these compounds with vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids and free radicals.