Ultrastructure of plasma cells in harderian gland of laying hens.

Ultrastructure of plasma cells in Harderian gland was investigated using the transmission electron microscopy. For this research, we examined the glands of 32 laying hens collected at 1, 7, 20 and 40 days and 4, 6, 8 and 12 months of the birds' ages. The research showed that the stroma of the gland contains a large number of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Most of the plasma cells are mature, but morphologically do not show productive activity. Only some individual plasma cells, situated under the secretory epithelium of primary and secondary ducts, have extremely dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum which contain moderately dense, granular material. The morphology of these cells indicates that they are in active stage of immunoglobulin production. Also, we identified plasma cells with two types of Russell bodies. One type of these bodies was small, round or oval, while the other had irregular, angular shape. It was noted that one plasma cell never contains both type of Russell bodies at the same time. These cells were often affected by apoptosis. Among them, in deeper part of the stroma, were situated the small plasmablast cells.

Influence of Fasciola hepatica on Serum Biochemical Parameters and Vascular and Biliary System of Sheep Liver.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity of the liver based on the activity of specific enzymes and bilirubin in serum and also to investigate the influence of mechanical and toxic effects of Fasciola hepatica on the structures of the blood vessels and biliary tract in the sheep liver. METHODS: Blood samples and liver of 63 indigenous sheep of Pramenka breed, slaughtered in the period from March to December 2009 were used. Based on parasitological findings in the liver, all animals were divided into two groups: control (n = 34) and infected group (n = 29). For investigation and description of pathological changes in sheep liver, naturally infected with F. hepatica, corrosion cast technique was used. RESULTS: Biochemical analysis of tested parameters showed a significant elevation (P≤0.05) of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in infected sheep group comparing with the control group. No significant differences were observed for activity of aspartate aminotranferase (AST) between groups. Vascular and biliary systems of the liver were found to be affected. CONCLUSION: Results of biochemical analysis are consistent with pathological findings and measuring of tested parameters could be used in early diagnosis of sheep fasciolosis and to test the effectiveness of anthelmintic therapy. Corrosion cast technique is very useful for investigation of pathological changes and neoangiogenesis of vascular and biliary system in sheep liver, caused by mechanical and toxic effects of F. hepatica.

[Frequency of hospitalization in intensive care units of community hospitals]. / Ucestalost hospitalizacija u jedinici intenzivnog lijecenja u podrucnoj ustanovi.

One thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight patients were hospitalized and treated at the Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Zabok General Hospital between January 1, 1990 and December 12, 1994. The majority of patients were admitted because of cardiovascular diseases (59.3%), gastrointestinal diseases (14.0%), metabolic diseases (5.1%), chronic obstructive lung disorders (4.6%), allergy and shock. The results show that the average treatment time of patients with cardiovascular diseases was 4.6 days, gastrointestinal diseases 3.2 days and metabolic diseases 4.2 days. The average age for males was 58 years and for females 64 years. We conclude that even hospitals with moderate equipment may provide a quick and proper medical care for critically ill patients.