Cytokine inflammatory response in dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

Introduction: The aim of the study was evaluation of the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, IL-12ß and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and milk of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Material and Methods: A total of 60 milk samples from diseased cows and 30 milk samples from healthy cows were included in the study. Blood and milk samples were taken from Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds (two in tie-stall and one in a free-stall housing system) in Lublin Province in Poland. The concentrations of cytokines in blood serum and quarter milk samples were determined by ELISA. Results: The levels of IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12ß and TNF-α were significantly higher in the milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by S. agalactiae compared to the milk of healthy cows (263.03 vs 55.36 pg/mL, 298.34 vs 131.82 pg/mL, 604.10 vs 139.17 pg/mL and 460.86 vs 78.82 pg/mL, respectively). In the group of sick cows, cytokine levels were significantly higher in milk than in serum (263.03 vs 55.25 pg/mL for IL-1ß, 298.34 vs 164.22 pg/mL for IL-8, 604.10 vs 70.34 pg/mL for IL-12ß and 460.86 vs 104.78 pg/mL for TNF-α). Conclusion: The results confirm the involvement of the entire bovine immune system to protect against the bacteria first locally in the udder. The response of the mammary gland to infection caused by S. agalactiae is rapid and already very strong at the beginning of the infection.

Assessment of Selected Immunological Parameters in Dairy Cows with Naturally Occurring Mycotoxicosis before and after the Application of a Mycotoxin Deactivator.

Introduction: Mycotoxins in dairy cows can cause many non-specific symptoms often resulting from immune system overreaction. The study assessed the concentration of selected cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP) in cows with natural mycotoxicosis before and after using a mycotoxin neutraliser. The cytokines were tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10), and the APP were serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp). Material and Methods: The research was carried out on an experimental group (Exp) of 10 herdmate Holstein-Friesian cows with mycotoxicosis. The control group (Con) was 10 healthy cows of the same breed from a different herd. Cows in the Exp group were administered the mycotoxin deactivator Mycofix for three months. Blood was drawn from Exp cows once before administering Mycofix and a second time after three months of its use. Blood was also drawn from Con cows at the same times. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, SAA and Hp were assessed using ELISA. Results: The concentrations of all cytokines and Hp in Exp cows were higher before treatment (P < 0.001) than those in Con cows. After three months of administering Mycofix, the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly lower than their pre-treatment levels (P < 0.001). The concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp were still significantly higher than those in the Con group (P < 0.001). In cows with mycotoxicosis, simultaneous stimulation of antagonistic processes was noted: a pro-inflammatory process in the upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6, and an anti-inflammatory one in the upregulation of IL-10. Conclusion: Despite the absorbent's use and the resolution of clinical symptoms in Exp cows, high levels of IL-10 and Hp and IL-6 were maintained. Assessment of the level of cytokines and APP appears to be a useful and precise tool for the evaluation and application of the appropriate dose of the mycotoxin absorbent or the evaluation of its effectiveness.

Genotypes and Variants of BKPyV in Organ Donors after Brain Death.

Kidney transplantation from a donor with latent BKPyV might be the cause of serious complications, such as BK virus-associated nephropathy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of BKPyV infection in donors after brain death (DBDs), to analyse the molecular variation of BKPyV and to compare clinical and inflammation parameters of DBDs infected with various genotypes of BKPyV. BKPyV was investigated in blood and urine samples of 103 DBDs using PCR followed by sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, and the viral load was assessed by qPCR. Clinical parameters, including cellular markers of inflammation were assessed. The results confirm high prevalence of BKPyV (48%),and genotype IV (49%) over genotype I (43%) and the co-infection with genotypes I and IV in 8.2%. Viral load ranged from 102 to 107 copies/mL, with an average of 1.92 × 106 copies/mL. No specific markers for BKPyV infection were detected among the parameters tested. Infection with genotype I may be associated with the adverse impact on thekidney function, while infection with genotype IV was associated with the anemia Not only the viral load but also the genotype of BKPyV may have an impact on the course of infection.

Assessment of the possibility of using biomarkers (CCL11 and TGF-beta 1) in the diagnosis of prostate gland hyperplasia in dogs.

Prostatic hyperplasia (PH) is the most common reproductive disorder in dogs and can lead to discomforting problems such as haematuria, urinary incontinence, constipation, difficulty in defecating and stiffness of the hind limbs. The diagnosis of PH is nowadays based on digital rectal examination (DRE), ultrasonography (US) and radiography (X-ray). However, markers associated with PH are barely used for diagnostic purposes. Recently, there have been reports on the use of certain biomarkers for diagnosing PH in dogs such as canine PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), microRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Nevertheless, it has been generally accepted that these biomarkers play only an auxiliary role. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of the CCL11 (eotaxin-1) and TGF-beta 1 markers, which are used in the diagnosis of prostate diseases in humans, in case of dogs with PH. The study was carried out on 40 dogs of different breeds divided into three groups. Group I (n = 9) comprised dogs up to 5 years of age without changes indicative of PH. Group II (n = 17) included dogs aged 5-10 that were examined and diagnosed with (PH) and Group III (n = 14) which consisted of dogs over 10 years of age who were also diagnosed with PH. The study demonstrated that CCL11 levels did not differ significantly between the study groups and the median levels were 7.27 pg/mL, 7.57 pg/mL, 6.81 pg/mL, and IQR ranges 1.55 pg/mL, 1.74 pg/mL, 2.32 pg/mL, respectively. In contrast, TGF-beta 1 levels were detectable only in 6 dogs of group III and averaged the median of 28.86 pg/mL, IQR ranges 10.07 pg/mL. The study proved that CCL11 and TGF-beta 1 markers are of a limited use when diagnosing PH in dogs as no significant correlation related to age, body weight or prostate size was found.

Molecular Epidemiology and Variation of the BK Polyomavirus in the Population of Central and Eastern Europe Based on the Example of Poland.

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a widespread pathogen in humans. Polymorphism of the region encoding the VP1 protein of BKPyV provides the basis for classifying the virus into types and subtypes, whose frequency varies depending on geographic location. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of BKPyV in the Polish population and to assess its variation by analysing polymorphism in the typing region. The study was conducted on 168 healthy, Polish volunteers, whose blood (plasma) and urine were sampled. The virus was detected using PCR, products, sequenced and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. In addition, viral load was assessed by qPCR. The presence of the genetic material of the BK virus was noted in 61/168 urine samples but in none of the plasma sample. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the BKPyV isolates were of types I and IV, dominant in Europe (63.93% and 36.07%, respectively). All isolates from genotype I belonged to subtype Ib-2, showing polymorphism at position 1809 with a frequency of 61.54% (G1809A) and 38.46% (G1809C). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of this magnitude on the genetic variation of BKPyV among healthy volunteers in Poland.

Content of tryptophan and kynurenines in serum and milk of dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus spp.

The aim of the study was to investigate serum and milk concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), and activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cows suffering from mastitis caused by Streptococcus spp. The blood and milk samples were collected from Holstein-Friesian cows farmed in the Lublin region of Poland. It was found that TRP was lower in cows with mastitis both in serum and milk. KYN was lower in serum but not in milk. KYNA was not significantly altered in diseased cows both in serum and milk. The activity of IDO calculated as KYN to TRP ratio was unchanged in serum but was markedly elevated in milk of cows with mastitis. Our findings may have important implications for diagnosis of mastitis in cows because an increase of activity of IDO and reduction of TRP in milk might be a valuable early marker predicting the occurrence of the disease.

BK Polyomavirus-Biology, Genomic Variation and Diagnosis.

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), a representative of the family Polyomaviridae, is widespread in the human population. While the virus does not cause significant clinical symptoms in immunocompetent individuals, it is activated in cases of immune deficiency, both pharmacological and pathological. Infection with the BKPyV is of particular importance in recipients of kidney transplants or HSC transplantation, in which it can lead to the loss of the transplanted kidney or to haemorrhagic cystitis, respectively. Four main genotypes of the virus are distinguished on the basis of molecular differentiation. The most common genotype worldwide is genotype I, with a frequency of about 80%, followed by genotype IV (about 15%), while genotypes II and III are isolated only sporadically. The distribution of the molecular variants of the virus is associated with the region of origin. BKPyV subtype Ia is most common in Africa, Ib-1 in Southeast Asia, and Ib-2 in Europe, while Ic is the most common variant in Northeast Asia. The development of molecular methods has enabled significant improvement not only in BKPyV diagnostics, but in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment as well. Amplification of viral DNA from urine by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a non-invasive method that can be used to confirm the presence of the genetic material of the virus and to determine the viral load. Sequencing techniques together with bioinformatics tools and databases can be used to determine variants of the virus, analyse their circulation in populations, identify relationships between them, and investigate the directions of evolution of the virus.

MicroRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as new useful markers in the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs.

Numerous specific biomarkers with a prognostic and diagnostic value comparable to histopathological findings are now used for non-invasive diagnosis of prostate diseases in humans. Meanwhile, as far as dogs are concerned, the diagnosis of prostate disorders is based solely on clinical examination and ultrasound (USG). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of two biomarkers, i.e. miRNA-129 and VEGF for the diagnosis of BPH in dogs. The study involved 40 dogs divided into three groups. Group I (n = 9) comprised healthy dogs up to the age of 5 years, Group II (n = 17) comprised dogs between the ages of 5-10 suffering from BPH as confirmed by the examination and Group III (n = 14) comprising dogs over 10 years of age, which also had BPH confirmed. The results demonstrated that dogs in group II and III exhibited a significant decrease in miRNA expression (P < 0.0001) and a significant increase in serum VEGF levels (P = 0.025) when compared to the dogs in group I. There was also a positive correlation between the prostate size and VEGF level. The findings led to the conclusion that the determination of miRNA-129 and VEGF can significantly contribute to the diagnosis of prostate disorders in dogs.

Changes in interferon-gamma and neopterin in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy as elective spay or as treatment of pyometra.

The objective of this study was to determine serum concentrations of interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and neopterin (Np) in dogs with pyometra admitted for surgical treatment and to compare these concentrations to healthy dogs admitted for elective spay. The effects of the surgical procedure were also evaluated by measuring these markers in both groups of dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy. Our study indicates that pre-surgery concentrations of INF-γ (57.4 ± 26.0 pg/mL) and Np (5.6 ± 0.8 nmol/L) in healthy dogs were significantly lower compared to dogs with pyometra (124.3 ± 87.6 pg/mL for INF-γ; 7.0 ± 1.5 nmol/L for Np) (P < 0.05 in both cases). Furthermore, Np was lower in dogs with pyometra 3 days after surgery compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). During the post-operative period, INF-γ showed no statistically significant changes in any of the groups, while Np showed lower serum concentration on day 3 than on day 0 in the pyometra group (P < 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was detected between serum concentrations of INF-γ and Np. These results indicate that pyometra causes alterations in serum concentrations of INF-γ and Np in female dogs compared to physiological levels before surgery and during the postoperative period.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer les concentrations sériques d'interféron gamma (INF-γ) et de néoptérine (Np) chez des chiens avec pyomètre admis pour traitement chirurgical et de comparer ces concentrations à celles de chiens en santé admis pour stérilisation élective. Les effets de la procédure chirurgicale furent également évalués en mesurant ces marqueurs dans les deux groupes de chiens avant et après ovariohystérectomie. Notre étude indique que les concentrations pré-chirurgie d'IFN-γ (57,4 ± 26,0 pg/mL) et de NP (5,6 ± 0,8 nmol/L) chez les chiens en santé étaient significativement inférieures comparativement aux chiens avec pyomètre (124,3 ± 87,6 pg/mL pour INF-γ; 7,0 ± 1,5 nmol/L pour Np) (P < 0,05 dans les deux cas). De plus, Np était plus bas chez les chiens avec pyomètre trois jours après la chirurgie comparativement aux témoins en santé (P < 0,001). Durant la période post-chirurgicale, INF-γ ne montra aucun changement statistiquement significatif dans aucun des trois groupes, alors que Np a présenté des concentrations sériques plus faibles au jour 3 qu'au jour 0 dans le groupe avec pyomètre (P < 0,001). Aucune corrélation statistiquement significative ne fut détectée entre les concentrations sériques d'INF-γ et de Np. Ces résultats indiquent que le pyomètre cause une altération des concentrations sériques d'INF-γ et de Np chez les chiennes comparativement aux niveaux physiologiques avant la chirurgie et durant la période post-opératoire.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Serum amyloid A as an marker of cowÖ¨ s mastitis caused by Streptococcus sp.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of amyloid A in serum (SAA) and in milk (MAA) of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis and healthy cows. The blood and milk samples were obtained from Holstein-Friesian cows with clinical signs of mastitis from two tie-stall housing systems herds in the Lublin region in Poland. A total of 80 milk and serum samples from 30 cows with mastitis and 10 healthy cows were selected for study. In the quarter milk samples from cows with mastitis Streptococcus strains were isolated: Strep. agalactiae (7 cows), Strep. dysgalactiae (9 cows) and Strep. uberis (14 cows). The present study indicates that amyloid A concentration was significantly higher in milk of cows with mastitis compared to control cows (1134.25 ng/mL and 324.50 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The highest concentration of amyloid A was found in milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. agalactiae and Strep. uberis whereas lowest in the milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. dysgalactiae (3882.50 ng/mL, 2587.75 ng/mL and 812.00 ng/mL, respectively). No statistically significant difference in amyloid A concentration in serum was revealed between all unhealthy cows and control group (2140.00 ng/mL and 2510.00 ng/mL, P > 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference between the level of amyloid A in serum and in milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. agalactiae and Strep. uberis. Whereas, in the case of Strep. dysgalactiae, like in the group of healthy cows, the level of amyloid A was significantly higher in serum compared to this in milk (2100 ng/mL and 812.00 ng/mL, P < 0.001; 2510.00 ng/mL and 324.50 ng/mL, P < 0.001; respectively).

Selected leukocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows before and after intrauterine administration of cefapirin and methisoprinol.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the selected lymphocyte subpopulations TCD4, TCD8, BCD21, BCD25, CD18, CD11b, and MHC II in blood and uterine flush of cows with endometritis, before and after intrauterine (i.u.) administration of cefapirin and methisoprinol. The research was carried out on 28 cows with clinical endometritis. Animals were divided into four groups, each composed of seven cows, depending on the i.u. preparation used: Group A, cefapirin; Group B, methisoprinol; Group C, cefapirin and methisoprinol simultaneously; and a control group-without medication. The study was performed using flow cytometry method. Summarizing the results of the research, i.u. infusion of cefapirin caused a weakening of the effector phase of the local uterine immune response; however, it enhanced leukocyte chemotaxis and antigen presentation. After i.u. administration of methisoprinol, the stimulation of specific uterine immunity mechanisms was mainly observed. The use of both mentioned preparations showed the strengthening of specific uterine immunological mechanisms presumably caused by methisoprinol, despite the inhibitory effect of the antibiotic. Intrauterine use of immunostimulatory substances can improve the effectiveness of the endometritis treatment in cows by improving specific local mechanisms of uterine immunity. As a consequence, it may enhance the effector function of immune competent cells and finally eliminate inflammation.

The Level of Prolactin, Serum Amyloid A, and Selected Biochemical Markers in Mares Before and After Parturition and Foal Heat.

The aim of the study was to determine the level of prolactin (PRL), serum amyloid A (SAA), and selected biochemical markers (T-Chol, AST, TP, Mg2+, P+, and Ca2+) in the blood of mares during the perinatal period. The study involved 14 mares of the Polish Coldblood Horse breed, which were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Blood was collected for testing 2 weeks before parturition and then 24 hours after delivery and in the foal heat (9 days) and 9 days after ovulation and breeding. The research revealed significant differences in the level of PRL and SAA before and after delivery. The highest PRL level was found 24 hours after delivery, lowest in foal heat and 9 days after ovulation. Serum amyloid A concentration was within the accepted norms; however, on day 9 after foaling, a significant increase of this protein was observed. All biochemical markers were within physiological limits. However, significant increases in T-Chol, AST, and TP levels was observed 24 hours after the delivery, whereas in foal heat and after ovulation levels of T-Chol and TP significantly decreased and the AST level remained at a similar level. There were no significant changes in electrolyte levels such as Mg2+, P+, and Ca2+. The pregnancy rate in the foal heat was at 43%. Collectively, the results of this study in conjunction with clinical observations demonstrated that when the perinatal period was normal, no disturbances in health related to pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and reproductive status during the postpartum period were found.

Phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of phagocytic cells in peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows with clinical endometritis before and after intrauterine use of cephapirin and methisoprinol.

The aim of the study was to evaluate phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytic cells in blood and uterine flush of cows with endometritis before and after intrauterine (i.u.) administration of cephapirin and methisoprinol. The research was carried out on 28 cows with clinical endometritis. Animals were divided into four groups, each composed of seven cows, depending on the i.u. treatment used: Group A-cephapirin; Group B-methisoprinol; Group C-cephapirin and methisoprinol at the same time; and a control group-without medication. Using flow cytometry technique, the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes was identified, as well as the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in the peripheral blood and uterine washings. Summarizing the results of the research, i.u. infusion of cephapirin caused a reduction in the phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes. The i.u. use of methisoprinol increased phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes in the uterus. Administering both listed substances simultaneously showed a decrease in phagocytosis, presumably due to the dominating inhibitor effect of the antibiotic. However, also an increase of mean fluorescence intensity was observed, presumably caused by the methisoprinol. Intrauterine use of immunostimulatory substances, can improve the effectiveness of the treatment of endometritis in cows.

Emotional excitability and behaviour of horses in response to stroking various regions of the body.

Touching the skin by gentle stroking is frequently used to reward horses. The objective of the study was to examine emotional excitability and behaviour of horses in response to stroking different regions of their bodies. The study included 15 adult warmbloods and 15 adult ponies, nine geldings and six mares within each type of horse. First, a novel-object test was conducted. For five successive days, one of five regions of the horse's body was stroked on each side for 5 min. Heart rate and heart rate variability were monitored at rest, during the test and stroking. Simultaneously, horse behaviour was assessed on a 1-5 scale. The data were analysed using analysis of variance GLM, Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. When stroked, horses were more excited than when at rest. Differences in emotional excitability and behaviour while stroking various body regions depended on the type and sex of horses. Parameters studied indicated that both in warmbloods and ponies, stroking the head may be beneficial, whereas the trunk should be treated with caution. Stroking may have a more positive influence in horses of lower emotionality and highly estimated behaviour at rest and during the novel-object test.

Changes in Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Expression of MHC-II Molecules in Wild Mares Before and After Parturition.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a physiological state in which the immune system undergoes certain changes. On the one hand, by depleting cell defence mechanisms, it favours development and maintenance of the pregnancy. At the same time cells of the immune system ensure resistance to many risk factors, including infectious agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 24 Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two equal groups. The first group (group I) included mares living in the reserve. The second group (group II) comprised mares maintained under conventional conditions in the stables. The blood samples were collected for the first time in the perinatal period, i.e. 2 weeks before parturition (trial 0), then within the first 24 h after delivery, and then on 7th and 21st day after foaling. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte expressing TCD4+, TCD8+, CD2+, and MHC class II antigens was performed. RESULTS: Before the delivery, in group I there was a significantly higher CD4:CD8 ratio compared to group II (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, significantly increased CD4:CD8 ratio in group I was noted within 24 h after parturition (P ≤ 0.001) and it was also observed on 7th day (P ≤ 0.03) and 21st day after foaling (P ≤ 0.02). In the first 24 h after parturition, a significant decline of lymphocytes CD8+ (P ≤ 0.02) was noted. No significant differences in terms of lymphocytes CD2+ and CD3+ were observed. Expression of MHC-II molecules before and after the parturition was higher in group I compared to group II; however, the difference between the groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that mares living in the reserve display higher activity of cell defence mechanisms.

Inflammatory cytokine and acute phase protein concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis in the late postpartum period.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and acute phase proteins (APPs)--haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in serum and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis, and compare them to healthy animals. The study was performed on 24 cows on day 60 after delivery. The cows were divided into two groups based on the results of cytological tests: 12 cows with subclinical endometritis and 12 healthy cows. Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines in the study material were determined with ELISA: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA. The results show that the levels of TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in the serum of cows with subclinical endometritis compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in the experimental cows compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in the concentration of cytokines and APP between cows with subclinical endometritis and healthy cows, in both the serum and uterine washings, may suggest the usefulness of these parameters in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in cows in the late postpartum period.

Levels of selected T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood of mares which experienced early embryonic death.

The objective of the present study was to analyse the immune status of mares in the early stages of pregnancy and mares which experienced early embryonic death (EED). Forty-eight fertile purebred Arabian mares were used for the study. The mares were divided into two groups. Group I was the control group composed of 32 mares in the early stages of a normal pregnancy. Group II was composed of 12 mares which had experienced EED. In both groups, subpopulations of T lymphocytes containing CD2(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) were characterized using flow cytometry. The percentages of CD3(+) lymphocytes (adding up the cells with CD4(+) and CD8(+) phenotypes) and of NK cells (subtracting CD3(+) cells from CD2(+) lymphocytes) calculated. Due to its suppressive effects on T lymphocytes during pregnancy, TGF-beta1 was determined using ELISA. The findings revealed that in mares with EED, the percentages of lymphocytes TCD2(+), TCD4(+), NK cells at EED, i.e. between days 14 and 21, were significantly higher compared to mares without EED. The changes in the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio were similar. In the EED group, this ratio significantly increased between the 96th hour and the 30th day after ovulation compared to mares without EED. Otherwise, serum levels of TGF-beta1 in the EED group were significantly lower than in the control group. The results show that mares which experienced an EED develop inflammatory reactions which activate Th1 cell immune responses.

The influence of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows on the immunological value of colostrum.

The purpose of this experiment was to estimate the influence of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows on the immunological value of colostrum. The studies were done in the fall-winter season on 20 pregnant sows (Polish Landrace) divided into four groups, five animals each. The sows were clinically healthy and unvaccinated. Group I received isoprinosine, group II (TFX), group III (HMB), and group IV served a control. The immunostimulants were applicated 4-6 weeks before the expected date of delivery. The following parameters were determined in colostrum taken from sows after completed delivery: specific gravidity; total proteins, lysozyme activity, IgG level. It was found that the nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows increased in colostrum the level of IgG, total protein content and lysozyme activity.