Analysis of Annual Changes in the Concentrations of Selected Macro- and Microelements, Thyroxine, and Testosterone in the Serum of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Stags.

The aim of the study was to analyze seasonal changes in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium as well as thyroxine and testosterone in adult red deer stags. The highest testosterone concentrations (mean 6.29±4.36 ng/ml) were observed from the end of August to November, confirming an increase in testicular secretory activity during the mating season. The changes in thyroxine concentration show circannual rhythms, most likely related to changes in the air temperature. The highest mean level of thyroxine was observed in spring (55.69±10.99 ng/ml). The concentration of selenium also reached the highest level during this season (0.107±0.027 µg/ml). In the case of the studied macroelements, the concentrations were stable from spring to summer but then decreased to the lowest mean values in autumn in both years of the experiment (Ca, 61.17±10.60; P, 47.08±9.59; Mg, 15.96±2.39 µg/ml). The dynamics of thyroxine secretion does not seem to affect directly the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In turn, sexual activity, manifested in the increase in secretion of testosterone, may affect changes in the concentration of calcium. Additionally, we cannot exclude a connection between changes in the concentrations of testosterone and selenium.

Serum selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium content in testes of Polish Konik horses from selenium--deficient area in North-Western Poland.

The aim of this study was to determine serum selenium concentrations in Polish Konik horses residing in the Odra Delta Nature Park (Poland) and to evaluate the activity of glutathione peroxidase and Se content in testes of this horse breed. In over 95% of cases, serum Se concentration was below the optimal range, and none of the horses examined was deficient in this trace element. The lack of Se deficiency in the animals examined suggests however, that the Polish Konik horses have a natural ability to the optimal use of nutrients available in their life area. Testicular content of Se and GSHPx activity in the colts was higher than those found in stallions, and a positive relationship between these antioxidants was demonstrated. The differences in Se contents and GSHPx activities in testes between colts and stallions suggest that selenoenzymes play important roles during the puberty of male horses.

Selenium status and GSH-Px activity in semen and blood of boars at different ages used for artificial insemination.

This study was performed to determine the relationship between selenium (Se) content and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in blood and semen, and semen quality of boars at different age used in an artificial insemination (AI) station. Routine macroscopic and microscopic analyses of semen quality were accompanied by measurement of Se content and GSH-Px activity in blood and semen. The Se concentration in blood plasma, seminal fluid and spermatozoa was measured by fluorometric method, the GSH-Px activity by a method based on NADPH-coupled reaction. A total of 155 ejaculates and 58 blood samples were investigated. The results of this study showed that there was no direct relationship between the Se content and GSH-Px activity in blood plasma and semen, and semen quality of sexual matured boars. The mechanisms controlling Se content and GSH-Px activity in blood and semen seem to be independent. The age of boars as a differentiating factor for Se content and GSH-Px activity in blood and semen is possible. It is concluded that a determination of Se status and/or GSH-Px activity in organism before Se supplementation is indicated.

Effect of a proline-rich polypeptide on IgG level in Chickens.

We have previously shown that a proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) from ovine colostrum expresses an immunoregulatory activity in mice on humoral and cellular immune response. The results presented in this communication show that PRP also modulates the immune response in chickens. PRP administered to the chickens in portions before, simultaneously or after the antigen, stimulated the antibody production. The enhancement of the immune response was also observed when a single dose was injected to the chicken before or simultaneously with the antigen. On the other hand, the single doses of PRP applied to the chickens after the immunization caused an inhibition of the production of antibodies.

Immunotropic activities of benzisoselenazolones and organic diselenides in mice.

We have investigated the immunotropic effects of 23 seleno-organic compounds (8 benzisoselenazolones, 3 benzisoselenazolone oxides and 12 organic diselenides). All of the compounds increased the rosette formation of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) with spleen cells obtained from thymectomized C53BL/6 mice and incubated in vitro in the presence of imuran. Furthermore, 16 of the compounds were also assayed in vitro in the hydrocortisone test performed with C57BL/6 mouse thymocytes. It was found that all of them significantly protected the cells against hydrocortisone induced cytotoxicity. Also in the Jerne's assay, performed in 129Ao/Boy mice pretreated in vivo with 3 selected compounds 5 days before immunization with SRBC, the stimulation of plaque forming cells (PFC) was observed. Only one compound (AE22, an analog of piroxicam) was found to be inhibitory in this assay. In contrast, in the graft versus host (GvH) assay performed in hybrid mice the donor lymphoid cells obtained from C57BL/6 mice pretreated with 9 selected seleno-organic compounds, suppressed the GvH reaction in the recipient hybrid mice. Thus, in all of the immunotropic assays except the GvH reaction in adult mice, the seleno-organic compounds were found to have immunostimulating activities.

Immunotropic activity of lupin seeds extracts and fractions from Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus albus.

The results demonstrated immunotropic activity of seeds extracts and fractions from Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus albus. Plaque forming cells (PFC) number to SRBC (sheep red blood cells) were elevated by an extract from Lupinus angustifolius and lowered by extracts from Lupinus albus. All preparations obtained from Lupinus angustifolius reduced the number of rosette forming cells (E-RFC). These preparations suppressed also the intensity of graft versus host reaction (GVHR) in case when the donors were treated. Lupinus albus extract suppressed GVH reaction when recipients were treated. Lupin extracts stimulated draining popliteal lymph nodes in PLN assay.

The toxicity of seed extracts and their fractions from Lupinus angustifolius L. and Lupinus albus L.

Seed extracts obtained from Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius by treatment with 48% ethanol contained ca. 10% alkaloids (on a dry weight basis) and were non-toxic. Their acute toxicity (LD50) in the mouse is > 4000 mg kg-1 body wt. After fractionation, the extract from L. angustifolius seeds afforded several fractions with differing toxicities (LD50 750-4000 mg kg-1 body wt.). None of the fractions tested in vitro were toxic. The results obtained showed that, in spite of the alkaloids, other low-molecular-weight constituents present significantly modified the toxicity of the lupin extracts.

Investigations on pharmacological and immunological properties of imuthiol.

An observation was made that imuthiol exerts inhibitory effect on hemolysins forming cells (PFC) and on NK cells activity. It also reduces the number of T lymphocytes (in vitro), increases the activity of interleukin-1 and of the lymph node permeability factor. Well recognized is also its protective effect on thymocytes against hydrocortisone. Imuthiol was found to enhance rosette formation and to stimulate stem cells and partly suppressor cells. It reduces the level of cAMP. Its effect on the circulatory system is negligible.

Preclinical pharmacologic investigations on a new group of acridine derivatives with oncostatic activity. I. Acute and subchronic action.

The influence of l-nitro-9-/2-dihydroxyethylamino-ethylamino-/-acridine (C-835) and l-nitro-9/3-izopropylaminopropylamino/-acridine (C-846) on the basic functions of animal organism in acute and subchronic experiments was studied. Both compounds displayed distinct all-biologic activity. Their toxicity (LD50) in mice was contained in milligramme interval (i.v.), while LD50 administered into the stomach was several dozen times higher. Even administration in protective phosphate buffer, which provides the most neutral pH, produced quite strong local irritant action. The range between LD50 and LD10 was relatively small, which proved relatively small tolerance factor. Both preparations injected intravenously in the doses starting from several mg/kg had hypotensic influence due to their affinity with the myocardium, the parasymphatetic system and the vascular system. The preparations acted spasmolytically on intestine muscles both in vivo and in vitro in a number of animal species. Central action showed clear stimulating component in a behavioric test. The effect of the compounds in interaction to hypnotic and convulsant drugs was equivocal and dependent on the dose and the reference-preparation. The examined compounds did not influence reproduction processes and did not display the teratogenic action. They impaired only the speed of growth of the newborns. The effect of both examined compounds was qualitatively and quantitatively similar.

Preclinical pharmacologic investigations on a new group of acridine derivatives with oncostatic activity. II. Chronic action.

Influence of 1-nitro-9-(2-dihydroxyethylaminoethylamino)-acridines (C-835) and 1-nitro-9-(3-isopropylamino-propylamino)-acridines (C-846) on animal organs and their basic functions was studied in the chronic action. Rabbits responded to the drugs with considerable tolerance which was less manifested in rats. Slight toxic effect was observed only after maximal doses with which the animals survived 3-month exposure. Enzyme studies and creatinine clearance test did not show any clear-cut impairment of hepatic and renal function. Neither did the preparations influence the red and white blood system, nor the blood clotting time. Microscopic examinations showed their slight (initially) morphologic changes which later passed into degenerative changes (liver, kidney, myocardium) as well as typical of oncostatics, changes in intestinal villi, nuclei and lymphatic system. Also desquamation of intestinal epithelium, hypertrophy of their lamina propria, impairment of spermato- and spermiogenesis as well as atrophy of lymphatic germinal centers and decreased number of small lymphocytes in lymph nodes and spleen were noted. Deviation between the results of function and morphologic tests were discussed. Microscopic changes observed after treatment of the tested acridine derivatives were considered too small to damage the particular organs function.

Pharmacologic studies on anti-inflammatory activity of di- and triketopiperidine derivatives.

A number of derivatives of piperidine-2,4,6-trione and oxazine-2,4-dione with cyclohexyl and allyl substituents at their ring were evaluated pharmacologically. Piperidine-2,4,6-trione compounds, regardless of type of substituent, were readily absorbed from the site of their introduction and displayed similar biological activity. Introduction of the N-cyclohexylcarboxamide substituent diminished general toxicity of the derivative and increased anti-inflammatory activity in all tests. The oxazine-4,6-dione derivatives were poorly absorbed. The bis-(1-cyclohexyl-5,5-diallyl-piperidine-2,4,6-trione) derivative, product of condensation of two molecules of a simpler compound, was very well absorbed, strongly toxic, and showed distinct anti-inflammatory activity. Limited correlation between chemical structure and biological activity was noted, supporting the concept that introduction of cyclohexyl and allyl radicals imparts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity to derivatives of this type.

Pharmacological studies on 1-nitro-9-alkyl acridine derivatives. I. Acute and subchronic action.

Preclinical pharmacologic studies of two further acridine derivatives, 1-nitro-9-(diethylaminopropylamino)-acridine (C-410) and 1-nitro-9-(diethylaminoethylamino)-acridine (C-516) are reported. Both compounds are characterized by high toxicity, especially when injected intravenously, poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and local irritant action. Local irritation can be partly alleviated by using phosphate buffer of pH 7.0 as solvent. Both preparations caused hemodynamic changes (hypotension) due to stimulation of the parasympathetic system (in cats), and higher doses showed direct action on the myocardium. Both preparations acted directly on smooth muscles, predominantly spastically (blood vessels, intestines in vivo and in vitro), and spasmolytically only on the smooth muscle of the urinary bladder in cats. Compound C-410 is deprived of a central component, and compound C-516 in most tests exhibited sedative properties. Despite moderate impairment of spermato- and spermiogenesis, neither of the compounds depressed reproductivity of the animals and no teratogenic action was observed.

Pharmacological studies on 1-nitro-9-alkyl acridine derivatives. II. Chronic action.

Encouraging results of preclinical pharmacologic analysis prompted the following study on the chronic action of 1-nitro-9-(diethylaminopropylamino)-acridine (compound C-410) and 1-nitro-9-(diethylaminoethylamino)-acridine (compound C-516). Neither compound had an appreciable effect on quantitative regeneration of peripheral formed blood elements. Liver and kidney function tests were not significantly affectd. Histopathologic studies showed involutive changes in the lymphatic tissues and slight degenerative lesions in parenchymal organs and nuclei. However, these changes were not severe enough to cause functional disturbances or to impair reproductivity.