Blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes from multiparous pregnant ewes.

The immunocompetence of pregnant multiparous ewes was investigated with respect to the blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes of (PBL) to three mitogens: PHA, Con A, and PWM. The profile of PBL responses shows 1) progressive suppression at 36 and 66 days of gestation, 2) enhanced response at 97 days of gestation, which approaches the mean values observed at the premating period, and 3) a redecline of the response at 137 days of gestation to depressed values lower than observed at 36 and 66 days of gestation. The results suggest that mitogen-treated lymphocytes were depressed and that the immunodepressive factor(s), which can influence lymphocytes at the systemic level, may be involved in the maintenance of the ovine fetal semiallograft.

Lymphoblastic transformation assay of sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes: a new rapid and easy-to-read technique.

A new micro-method was used to evaluate in vitro sensitivity of ovine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to different non specific mitogens (pHA, Con A, PWM) and to investigate the interest of a colorimetric assay for measurement of transformed lymphocytes. The results showed that sheep PBL in flat-bottomed microplates responded optimally at a cell density of 8 X 10(6) cells/ml to PHA (2.5 micrograms/ml), Con A (5 micrograms/ml) and PWM (5 micrograms/ml). The colorimetric assay using a tetrazolium salt (MTT), for measuring the transformed lymphocytes, is very well correlated with the classical method of [3H]thymidine incorporation. This new revelation technique of the mitogenic response improve the technical value of the assay, which is more rapid and easy-to-read, without diminishing the biological value.

Importance of the hour of sampling in the lymphoblastic transformation assay of sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes.

This paper describes the effect of the nycthemeral cycle on the lymphocyte response of sheep to different mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWM). A considerable decline in the lymphocyte response was evident in the afternoon and early in the morning in all 6 animals tested. Three peak responses were identified during a 24 hour study period, at 14.00 h, 24.00 h and 08.00 h. The results presented here suggest that this variation in lymphocyte response is a meaningful difference in the response ability of individual lymphocytes. Factors affecting the number of leukocytes and the proportion of different types of lymphocytes in peripheral blood might be the essential causes of variation. To obtain an accurate indication of an individual's immunocompetence, it is important to make a preliminary determination of the optimal hour for sampling. If this is not possible, all the samples must be taken at the same hour on each test day, in order to make significant comparisons.

Vascular nursing Internet resources: tools for cyberspace.

An older, more complex patient population, rapidly changing treatment modalities, and nontraditional venues for health care delivery have become commonplace in managing patients with vascular disorders. The delay in dissemination of information by conventional publishing and problems in accessibility create obstacles for nurses caring for this high-risk population. The Internet provides us with many valuable resources in addressing this problem. However, obtaining clinically useful information in an efficacious manner requires a working knowledge of cyberspace. This article overviews the resources available on the Internet and gives guidelines for navigating to destinations that will yield information appropriate to vascular nursing. In addition, information has also been included on networking and sharing personal practice experiences.

[Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm toxins. IV. -- Toxicity in rat by prolonged oral administration of ochratoxin A (author's transl)]. / Toxines d'Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm. IV. -- Toxicité de l'ochratoxine A par administration orale prolongée chez le rat

Adult male and female rats are given oral doses of 0.25 to 8 mg/kg of ochratoxin A daily for 10 days. This study confirms the intoxication symptomatology and weight loss observed in rat and mouse after sole administration of toxins. Estimation of the DL C50 and the calculation of the detoxication coefficient show accumulation of ochratoxin A in the organism. Microscopic lesions emphasize ochratoxin A aggression on hepatocytes, nephrocytes and megacaryocytes. Serious renal failure may cause the appearance of digestive ulcerating lesions; their association to eventual coagulation factor deficiency, related to toxic action on liver or blood platelets, may be at the origin of the hemorrhagic syndrome observed.

In vitro evaluations of condoms with and without nonoxynol 9 as physical and chemical barriers against Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and human immunodeficiency virus.

Simulated in vitro intercourse conditions demonstrated that unlubricated latex condoms provide an effective physical barrier to high concentrations of Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and human immunodeficiency virus. However, since condoms can be damaged after manufacturing inspection and prior to use, latex condoms alone should not be perceived as absolute protection against STDs. Nonoxynol 9 used in conjunction with condoms provided additional, yet still not foolproof, protection against the three viruses.