Protective effect of quercetin on some hematological parameters in rats exposed to cadmium.

We investigated the effects of quercetin (Q) on some hematological parameters and determined the percentage of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) positive lymphocytes in rats that had been exposed to cadmium (Cd). Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control (C), quercetin (Q), cadmium (Cd) and Q + Cd (CdQ). Blood samples were taken to assess erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), hemoglobin levels (Hb), hematocrit values (Hct), platelets (PLT), alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) positive lymphocytes. RBC, Hb, Hct; the number of PLT significantly decreased in the Cd group. To the contrary, these parameters were increased significantly in the CdQ group compared to the Cd group. Although we found a significant increase in total WBC count and neutrophil percentage, the number of lymphocytes decreased in the Cd group compared to the other three groups. Also, the percentage of peripheral blood ANAE positive lymphocytes decreased significantly in the Cd group (p < 0.05). Q exhibits positive effects on some hematological characteristics and the percentage of ANAE positive lymphocyte in cases of acute CD toxicity.

Effects of aflatoxin on some haematological parameters and protective effectiveness of esterified glucomannan in Merino rams.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of aflatoxin on some hematological parameters and to determine the preventive effectiveness of added glucomannan. In the study, 32 Merino rams were used, and the rams were separated equally to four groups as control (C), glucomannan (G), glucomannan + aflatoxin (AG), and aflatoxin (A). Erythrocyte, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were decreased in A group compared with the other groups, and there was a reduction in similar parameters in AG group compared to control values. On the other hand, these parameters were tended to increase in AG group compared to A group values. Aflatoxicosis caused the lymphocytopenia and monocytopenia but increased percentage of neutrophil counts. In conclusion, the results determined in the study might be important to demonstrate the effects of aflatoxicosis and glucomannan on some haematological parameters before the clinical symptoms appear.

Hematology and enzyme histochemistry of the peripheral blood leucocytes in rock partridges (Alectoris graeca).

The purpose of this study was to determine the percentages of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE)-positive and acid phosphatase (ACP)-positive peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and the percentages of leukocytes in the rock partridge at different ages. Blood samples obtained from the vena basilica of 18 healthy rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) at 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age were used. Mean percentages of ANAE-positive PBL for the 3 age groups were 37, 29.83, and 47.83% for 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age, respectively. Heterophils also gave ANAE-positive reactions. Mean percentages of ACP-positive PBL for the 3 age groups were 70, 81, and 86.1% for 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age, respectively. Although monocytes showed a diffuse granular staining pattern, heterophils displayed a weak positive reaction for ACP. Thrombocytes showed a small granular staining pattern. This study contributes by broadening the hematological research on avian species and provides a guideline for identifying blood cells in the rock partridge.

Effects of increasing zinc supplementation in drinking water on growth and thyroid gland function and histology in broiler chicks.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of increasing zinc supplementation on growth, feed efficiency and thyroid function and histology in broiler chicks. Sixty new born male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into one of four treatment groups and fed for 60 d. Zinc (Zn) was added into drinking water at the levels of 0, 125, 500, and 1000 mg Zn/L. Body weight gain were significantly higher and feed efficiency were significantly lower in chicks supplemented with 125 mg Zn/L compared with chicks supplemented with 500 or 1000 mg Zn/L at the end of the experiment. Serum Zn concentration linearly increased with the increasing level of Zn intake. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels and the diameters of follicles of thyroid gland were significantly reduced with high levels (500 and 1000 mg Zn/L) of Zn intake at the end of the experiment. It was concluded that chick receiving 1000 mg Zn/L as ZnSO4.7H2O in drinking water showed signs of Zn toxicity.

Embryotoxicity assay of aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999.

1. The embryotoxicity of mixed aflatoxins (AF) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were evaluated by a modified chick embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST). Adverse effects on the early embryonic development of thymus and bursa of Fabricius were also investigated by light microscopy. AF consisted of 83.06% AFB1, 12.98% AFB2, 2.84% AFG1 and 1.12% AFG2. 2. A total of 448 fertilised laying hens' eggs were used. AF and AFB1 were injected into the eggs at doses of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/egg. Embryonic developmental stages were evaluated according to the Hamburger-Hamilton scale (HH-scale). 3. The results showed that AFB1 given at 10 ng/egg had a significantly (P<0.05) greater embryotoxic effect than AF given at a similar dose. The higher doses of both AF and AFB1 caused higher embryonic mortality and also an increase in early deaths. 4. In the groups receiving 100 ng/egg AF and AFB1 an abnormal development was seen, with a protruded central region, corresponding to the area pellucida of the blastoderm. No other developmental abnormality attributable to AF or AFB1 was found.

Efficacy of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone in reducing the immunotoxicity of aflatoxin in growing broilers.

1. Protective action of an enzyme-linked polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP, Mycofix Plus) against the immunosuppressive effect of afatoxins (AF) was evaluated by determination of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte proportions and splenic plasma cell counts. Histological changes in lymphoid organs were also investigated by light microscopy. One-d-old broiler chicks (Hybro) received 2.5 mg/kg diet AF (83.06% AFB1, 12.98% AFB2, 2.84% AFG1, 1.12% AFG2) with or without PVPP (3g/kg diet) until 21 d of age. When compared with controls, AF treatment significantly decreased peripheral T-lymphocyte counts. AF caused a slight decrease in splenic plasma cell counts. The addition of PVPP to an AF-containing diet significantly increased T-lymphocyte counts. Splenic plasma cell counts were numerically intermediate between control and AF groups. 3. The dietary addition of PVPP to AF-free diet did not significantly alter either T-lymphocyte or splenic plasma cell counts.