Selected parameters of immunological response in hop growers during the period of intensive application of pesticides.

The aim of the study was determination of selected parameters of immunological response among hop growers and farmers in conditions of intensive exposure to means of plant protection. Survey data was collected from 238 males aged 25-70 living in the area of Wilków near Pulawy (Lublin Region). Control group were males from the area of Witoszyn (Lublin Region)--53 people aged 25-70 occupied mainly with land cultivation. Based on an environmental survey conducted among hop growers and farmers, the respondents were divided into 3 age groups: 25-40, 41-55 and 56-70. Laboratory tests covered the determination of selected morphological parameters, phagocytic test, NBT test, and myeloperoxidasis (MPO) concentration in blood serum of hop growers and farmers.A significant decrease was noted in the number of platelets in the general population of hop growers and in individual age groups, compared to the control groups of farmers. Analysis of individual sub-populations of leukocytes showed a significantly higher number statistically of basophils and lymphocytes among hop growers, compared to farmers. A detailed analysis of the degree of phagocytic and bactericidal activity of neutrophils allowed us to presume that during the period of spraying there occurred a mobilisation of the granulocytic system, manifested by the presence of over 90% of neutrophils of intensified phagocytic activity, and 20% of neutrophils of intensified bactericidal activity. The preparations prepared by the routine NBT test method were analysed with the use of LUCIA computer programme (version 4.51). The analysis of the level of MPO in blood serum in the populations examined showed the presence of statistically significant differences. In hop growers, the MPO level was significantly higher statistically (60.0 ng/ml), compared to the control group of farmers (43.4 ng/ml).

Toxoplasmosis in rabbits confirmed by strain isolation: a potential risk of infection among agricultural workers.

The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in a high titer of 1:8,000 was found in 2 out of 9 examined rabbits (22.2%), kept on a farm where cases of human toxoplasmosis were noted. A virulent Toxoplasma gondii strain was isolated in mice from the brain of a seropositive rabbit that showed clinical signs of disease: apathy, weight loss, skin lesions. The presence of T. gondii DNA in the peritoneal exudate of mice inoculated with the brain suspension of the dissected rabbit was confirmed by the positive results of PCR test. No toxoplasmas were found in mice inoculated with suspensions of other organs of the examined rabbit (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, skeletal muscles). In the sections of the rabbit's brain the typical cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were found, filled with bradyzoites. On the basis of strain isolation and microscopic findings, toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system was diagnosed in the rabbit. The results of this study suggest that rabbits should be considered as a potential source of Toxoplasma infection among agricultural workers.

Distribution of dermally absorbed 14C DDT in the organs of Wistar rats.

The aim of study was evaluation of the concentration of dermally applied (14)C DDT in the organs of rats, and evaluation of histological and ultrastructural changes after the dermal application of unlabelled DDT standard in the organs of rats, in which the presence of this pesticide was determined by the radio-isotopic method. (14)C DDT of radiochemical purity of 97% was applied in the study. The activity of the preparation per 1 cm(2) of the tail skin was 22.2 KBq--(175.38 microg DDT). The material for the study was taken directly after single exposure and 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 18 h and 20 h after exposure. The following organs were taken for the determination of radioactivity of tissues: brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, skin at the site of exposure. Unlabelled chemically pure, DDT (99.7%) was used to evaluate histological and ultrastructural changes after dermal application. Experimental animals received an oil emulsion of DDT (10 mg/9 cm(2)), applied to the skin of the tail for 4 weeks. The time of exposure was 4h daily. The animals of the control group were dermally exposed to the emulsion at the same time and under the same conditions. 4 h after dermal exposure it was observed that the preparation applied on the surface of 9 cm(2) in the amount of 1.578 microg was present in the skin in the amount of 1 microg/9 cm(2) (0.11 microg/cm(2)), i.e. 0.063% of (14)C DDT applied dose. Directly after dermal application lasting 4 h the greatest amount of (14)C DDT was noted in the liver--0.285 microg, i.e. 0.033 micrcog/g. Histopatological and ultrastructural changes were observed in the liver, kidney, lungs and heart.

Comparison of histological and ultrastructural changes in mice organs after supplementation with inorganic and organic selenium.

Two organic compounds of selenium, 4-o-totyl-selenosemicarbazide p-chlorobenzoic acid (chain compound) produced at the Chemistry Department of the University Medical School in Lublin, and one inorganic compound of sodium IV selenite (Na(2)SeO(3)) were used. The preparations were used per os in doses of 1 mg/kg body weight and 0.5 mg/kg body weight. The studies were conducted on female Swiss mice, covering seven groups of animals, i.e. 6 experimental and 1 control. Histopathologic changes were observed in liver, kidney, lung and heart. Ultrastructural changes were observed in liver and kidney. Our studies indicate a dose-dependent effect of selenium on histopathologic and ultrastructural changes. It is possible therefore, that the extent of excess of selenium exerts a greater influence on a cell than the form of supplemented selenium.

Dermal and oral toxicity of malathion in rats.

The aim of the study was the evaluation of dermal and oral toxicity of malathion based on the results of histopathologic and ultrastructural tests. The standard of the pesticide - IPO 460 Malathion was used in the study. The preparation was suspended in oil emulsion. The study was conducted on Wistar rats. Dermal toxicity was examined in 2 groups of experimental rats. The animals were applied 8 mg (1/100 LD(50)) and 16 mg (1/50 LD(50)) of the preparation on the tail skin for 4 hours daily for a period of 28 days. In the case of oral toxicity, a dose of 1/50 LD(50) malathion was used. The amount of 1 ml (11.2g) of the preparation was administered intragastrically by stomach tube for 28 days. In both experiments the control animals were administered only the emulsion used for suspending the pesticide. The following organs were subject to histopathologic and ultrastructural evaluation: liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. The histopathologic and ultrastructural changes observed showed various degrees of intensity according to the route of malathion administration and the size of the dose applied. Dermal application of the pesticide in a smaller dose did not cause histopathological changes in the organs of the animals, while the administration of a higher dose resulted in changes only in the liver. Changes on the ultrastructural level occurred in all organs and were dose-dependent. After oral administration of malathion, both histopathologic and ultrastructural changes observed in all organs were more intensified than after dermal application.

Comparison of selenium distribution in mice organs after the supplementation with inorganic and organic selenium compound selenosemicarbazide.

Studies on selenium organ content and its function in living organisms just like studies on other elements provide interesting results although their interpretation is not always clear. The aim of our study was to determine the concentration and distribution of selenium in several organs and tissues in mice after supplementation with our newly synthesized organic compound of selenium selenosemicarbazide (4-o-tolyl-selenosemicarbazide of o-chlorobenzoic acid) as compared to the effects of the supplementation with inorganic compounds. SWISS mice were fed with both types of compounds at the dose of 10(-3) g Se per kg for the period of 10 days. The concentrations of selenium in brains of mice treated with selenocarbazide and sodium selenite were higher than in controls (38.04 micrograms g-1 and 32.00 micrograms g-1 vs. 26.18 micrograms g-1). There was a statistically significant increase in the selenium contents in lungs after supplementation with selenosemicarbazide and sodium selenite (11.81 micrograms g-1 and 6.79 micrograms g-1 vs. 1.75 micrograms g-1 in controls). We found a statistically insignificant increase in selenium contents in intercostal muscles after supplementation with inorganic selenium compounds and a statistically significant increase after the supplementation with selenosemicarbazide (10.13 micrograms g-1; 14.21 micrograms g-1 and 28.84 micrograms g-1, respectively). Our investigations lead to a conclusion that 4-o-tolyl-seleno-semicarbazide of o-chlorobenzoic acid, an organic selenium compound may be more easily absorbed than inorganic sodium IV selenite.

Effects of an inorganic and two new organic compounds of selenium on morphologic blood elements and antioxidant status in mice.

Two organic compounds, 4-(o-tolilo-)-selenosemicarbazide of p-chlorobenzoic acid and 3-(p-chlorobenzoylamino-)-2-(o-tolylimino-)-4-phenyl-4-selenazoline were compared to the effects of the supplementation with inorganic Na2SeO3. Studies were carried out in four groups consisting of 10 female mice each of SWISS strain. Three of them were supplemented with different selenium formula at the dose of 10(-3) mg Se per g over the period of 10 day. The blood samples were collected to heparinized test tubes; the red blood and white blood count, hematocrit and haemoglobin concentration were studied. The influence of selenium compounds on phagocytosis and NBT test was determined.

Chlorfenvinphos Dermal Absorption in Rats: Histological and Ultrastructural Changes in the Skin and Internal Organs.

We studied the effect of chlorfenvinphos dermal absorption on the morphological picture of blood, on the histological and fine structure of tail skin, and on the histological structure of internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney) of rats. This study was conducted on 25 white Wistar rats, the tail skin of which was-or was not-hydrated before exposure. Rat tails were soaked in 0.5% or 0.05% chlorfenvinphos for 1 hr day for 3 months. Evident tendencies for a decrease in the absolute level of leukocytes and for an increase in the absolute level of erythrocytes in all experimental animals were observed. Histopathological changes in the internal organs were mildly manifested in only a few rats, mainly as liver and pulmonary hyperaemia. Rat tail skin at the direct exposure site showed hyperceratosis, intensive desquamation, and compensatory hyperplasia.