RESUMO
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in haematological parameters and the antioxidant system in the early and late pregnancy of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 30 red deer females 50 days after impregnation and 40 days before calving. Complete blood counts and stained blood smears were assessed. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activities, glutathione disulphide (GSSG), total glutathione, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, cholesterol levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Results: The haematological characteristics of blood collected in the third trimester showed higher haemoglobin levels, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.05) and a lower mean cell haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05) in comparison to samples collected on the 50th day after mating. Activity of CAT and MDA, LDL, and triglyceride levels were lower while GR, GSSG, total glutathione, total protein and BHB levels were increased in blood samples drawn in the third trimester compared with the first trimester blood samples. There were no changes in SOD, PON1 activities, TAS, bilirubin, albumin, HDL, cholesterol or uric acid concentrations. Conclusion: Red deer's compensatory mechanisms facilitate its optimal adaptation to seasonal changes evidenced by mild pronounced haematological disturbances and an effective antioxidant system during pregnancy.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Islets and pancreas transplantation have become standard treatments of patients with diabetic complications. However pancreas transplantation is associated with high incidence of complications and the long-term results of islet transplantation are still unsatisfactory. Loss of pancreatic islets grafts is caused not only by immunological reactions but also due to the site of grafting and IBMIR. Gastric submucosal space could be an alternative site for transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of endoscopic islets transplantation into the gastric submucosa-its efficacy and potential complications.
MATERIAL/METHOD: 20 Landrace pigs weighing 19-24 kg were obtained for the study. Seven animals were controls (C-group) and 13 formed the transplantation group (TX group). In both groups diabetes was induced by streptozotocine (stz) infusion at a dose of 200 mg/kg. At 7 days post stz infusion pigs of both groups underwent endoscopy-in group C to assess the feasibility of gastroscopic examination under general anaesthesia in pigs with diabetes and to study the influence of basiliximab infusion on pigs, in the Tx-group to perform endoscopic submucosal islet transplantation (eGSM-ITx). Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus 0.2 mg/kg and sirolimus 6 mg/m(2). At 7 days post transplantation, control gastroscopy was performed to assess the gastric mucosa and to obtain biopsies for histopathology. 10 to 30 days after eGSM-ITx, magnetic resonance (MRI) scan was performed. Stomach and pancreas were obtained at autopsy for histopathology. Glycemia was assessed twice daily during the experiment. For 10 days after diabetes induction (up to three days after eGSM-ITx) in both groups, insulin was given to reach glycemia between 150-200 mg/dl, after that period insulin was given only when glycemia exceeded 600 mg/dl.
RESULTS: There were no differences in insulin requirement and glycemia up to the day of eGSM-ITx between the groups. Tx-group animals received a mean of 6000+/-3170 IEQ/kg. Tx-group animals had a significantly lower insulin requirement and significantly lower mean glycemia since the first day post transplantation. C-group animals all required insulin once daily to keep glycemia below 600 mg/dl. There were no signs of perforation, ulceration or bleeding after eGSM-ITx on gastroscopy and histopathological examination. MRI scans revealed unspecific thickening of gastric wall at sites of islet deposition.
CONCLUSIONS: Transendoscopic islets transplantation into gastric submucosa is feasible and a safe procedure in an experimental animal setting. Its potential for clinical application in human subjects needs further studies.
