Acute-phase proteins, cortisol and haematological parameters in ewes during the periparturient period.

Numerous subclinical diseases in sheep occur in the periparturient period and involve inflammatory processes; therefore, determining markers, such as acute-phase proteins (APPs), can allow an early diagnosis. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess changes in the plasma concentration of APPs and cortisol in clinically healthy ewes in the periparturient period for use in future studies. At the same time, haematological parameters were monitored. We showed that plasma APPs and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant ewes than before insemination. A gradual increase in the SAA concentration was observed from the 14th day before to the day of parturition, while Hp was reduced from 2 weeks before up to 2 weeks after delivery. A significant increase in the Fb concentration was detected from the 14th day before to the 1st week after delivery. The cortisol concentration did not undergo significant changes in the periparturient period. We found an increase in the SAA and Fb concentrations and decrease in Hp in the periparturient period. The direction of the change in APPs of healthy ewes in the current study may be related to their distinct regulatory mechanisms during pregnancy. The APPs are usually altered during infection, inflammation, neoplasia, stress and trauma; therefore, knowing their reference values could help lead to an early diagnosis of subclinical forms of some diseases and pregnancy complications in ewes. The haematological analysis showed that ewes in late pregnancy and postpartum compared to dry period were under metabolic stress related to pregnancy and lactation.

IN VIVO PERFORMANCE OF THE EXPERIMENTAL CHITOSAN BASED BONE SUBSTITUTE--ADVANCED THERAPY MEDICINAL PRODUCT. A STUDY IN SHEEP.

When evaluating a novel bone substitute material, advanced in vivo testing is an important step in development and safety affirmation. Sheep seems to be a valuable model for human bone turnover and remodeling activity. The experimental material composed with the stem cells is an advanced therapy medicinal product (acc. to EC Regulation 1394/2007). Our research focuses on histological differences in bone formation (guided bone regeneration--GBR) in sheep maxillas after implantation of the new chitosan/tricalcium phosphate/alginate (CH/TCP/Alg) biomaterial in comparison to the commercially available xenogenic bone graft and a/m enhanced with the stem cells isolated from the adipose tissue. Twelve adult female sheep of BCP synthetic line, weighing 60-70 kg were used for the study. The 11 mm diameter defects in maxilla bone were prepared with a trephine bur under general anesthesia and then filled with the bone substitute materials: CH/TCP/Alg, BioOss Collagen, Geistlich AG (BO), CH/TCP/Alg composed with the stem cells (CH/S) or left just with the blood clot (BC). Inbreeding cycle of the animals terminated at 4 months after surgery. Dissected specimens of the maxilla were evaluated histologically and preliminary under microtomography. Histological evaluation showed early new bone formation observed around the experimental biomaterial and commercially available BO. There were no features of purulent inflammation and necrosis, or granulomatous inflammation. Microscopic examination after 4 months following the surgery revealed trabecular bone formation around chitosan based bone graft and xenogenic material with no significant inflammatory response. Different results--no bone recreation were observed for the negative control (BC). In conclusion, the tested materials (CH/TCP/Alg and BO) showed a high degree of biocompatibility and some osteoconductivity in comparison with the control group. Although the handiness, granules size and setting time of CHffCP/Alg may be refined for future clinical tests. The relevant beneficial influence of using the adipose derived stem cells in GBR was not confirmed in this model.