Haematological and serum biochemical profiles of buffalo heifers as influenced by levamisole

Serum was separated from blood samples of six healthy buffalo heifers (1–1.5 years) on day 0 (control) and after 1, 7 and 14 days of levamisole (15 mg/kg body weight) administered orally. Significant differences were observed among monocytes, ESR (1 h) and of percentage PCV (Packed Cell Volume) after 1 and 7 days of levamisole administration. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly different. Significant changes were observed among total serum protein, albumin and globulin concentrations after 1 and 7 days of levamisole administration. A significant increase in serum urea concentration was observed on day 14 of the experiment.Abbreviations >DLC differential leucocyte count - >ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate - >HB Haemoglobin - >MCH mean corpuscular haemoglobin - >MCV mean corpuscular volume - >MCHC mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - >PCV packed cell volume - >RBC red blood cell - >TLC total lymphocyte count - >WBC white blood cell     

Haematological characteristics of response to inflammation or traumatic injury in two species of black cockatoos: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calyptorhynchus magnificus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. funereus</Emphasis>

A retrospective study of the haematological response to inflammation and/or traumatic injury was performed in two species of black cockatoos, namely white-tailed black cockatoos (WTBCs) (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and red-tailed black cockatoos (RTBCs) (C. magnificus). Evaluation of haematological data collected from 28 predominantly free-living birds was undertaken. The most consistent findings associated with inflammation or traumatic injury were mild to moderate anaemia, heterophilia and monocytosis. Changes in heterophil morphology were a relatively uncommon finding.     

Some Haematological Values of Farmed Fallow Deer (>Dama dama)

Haematological examinations have been carried out on 62 healthy farmed male and female fallow deer after they had been shot during a routine cull. Comparisons were made between the sexes, between young (up to 2 years) and older (>2 years) animals, and between age groups according to sex. The following parameters (means and SDs) were examined on all samples: erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, total leucocyte count, and numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, band neutrophils and monocytes. Only minor differences in red cell and white cell parameters between different groups of animals were found. However, significant differences in mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, eosinophils and band neutrophils were discovered in different age and sex groups. The values provide useful information for diagnostic purposes in fallow deer. Correspondence and offprint requests to: G. Vengušt, Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fishes and Bees, University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. e-mail: vengusgo@vf.uni-lj.si     

Haematological changes and up-regulation of P-selectin expression in circulating platelets of Indian women chronically exposed to emissions from biomass fuels

Blood cell counts and P-selectin expression of the circulating platelets of 37 Indian women that were chronically exposed to smoke from biomass fuel burning during cooking were evaluated. A total of 22 rural women that cook using LPG were simultaneously examined as controls. The biomass fuel users showed a significant reduction (p = < 0.05) in haemoglobin levels and erythrocyte counts and elevation (p = < 0.05) in total leukocytes, neutrophils and platelet counts. P-selectin expressing platelets were 8.6 ± 0.7% in biomass fuel users compared to 1.6 ± 0.2% in the controls. The absolute number of P-selectin expressing platelets was 8.3 times higher in biomass fuel users, and this increase also correlated with the number of years of exposure. The results demonstrated haematological alterations and remarkable activation of platelets in women chronically exposed to emissions from biomass fuel burning.     

Cytochemistry and morphology of granulocytes of the caecilian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Siphonops annulatus</Emphasis> (Amphibia,Gymnophiona)

The caecilians (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) constitute one of the least known groups of terrestrial vertebrates because most species live underground in quite inaccessible environments. Siphonops annulatus is an exclusively fossorial species and is the most extensively distributed caecilian in South America. Little is known of this order concerning circulating granulocytes, including their morphological and cytochemical structure and ultrastructure. This paper is part of a project covering the study of granulocytes in representative species of the order Amphibia. Blood extensions were carried out and submitted to Leishman, Toluidine Blue, Periodic acid Schiff, Sirius Red and hydrogen o-toluidine peroxide methods. Part of the samples was prepared for conventional transmission electron microscopy. Among granular leukocytes, mature and immature neutrophils and eosinophils were identified, plus basophils. The most frequent granulocyte encountered in S. annulatus peripheral blood is the neutrophil. This is a cell with a hyper-segmented nucleus and with a very clear cytoplasm when compared to the eosinophil, which presents large cytoplasmic acidophilic granules. On the other hand, the basophils present basophilic and metachromatic granules. Glycogen was detected in the cytoplasm of the neutrophils and eosinophils, while basic protein rich in amino acids was observed in the eosinophil’s granules. Myeloperoxidase activity was detected in the cytoplasm of the neutrophils and eosinophils. Neutrophils were ultrastructurally detected with three types of small granules: eosinophils with large and small spherical granules and basophils with large spherical granules with lamellate structures.     

Haematological and clinical chemistry findings associated with sub-acute contamination of drinking water with varied low percentages of used engine oil

This study evaluated the haematology and clinical chemistry profile of rats given drinking water contaminated with varied low percentages of used engine oil (UEO) for a period of 21 days. Fifty female albino rats of 6–7 weeks of age were used for the study. They were divided into five groups (A–E) and given water contaminated with 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0% vol/vol. of UEO respectively as the only source of drinking water for 21 days. The group E given uncontaminated water (0% contamination) served as the control. The haematological parameters and clinical chemistry profile of the rats was comprehensively evaluated after the 21 days of administration of the group-specific waters. Results showed that contamination of water with up to 5% UEO led to no significant effects (p > 0.05) on all the haematological indices and on the levels of serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, albumin, creatinine and calcium, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood glucose level, feed consumption and body weight. However, the rat group given water contaminated with 5% UEO had a significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased serum total protein and globulin (p < 0.01), and water consumption (p < 0.05). The rat group given water contaminated with 1% UEO had a significantly increased serum AP (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased water consumption (p < 0.05), while the rat group given water contaminated with 0.1% UEO had a significantly elevated (p < 0.01) serum AP. It was concluded that sub-acute contamination of drinking water of rats with up to 5% UEO led to hepato-biliary disorders and adverse effects on hepatic secretion and excretion, including diminution of serum protein and globulin levels and elevation of serum cholesterol levels, but did not lead to any significant effects on haematology, hepatocellular integrity, kidney/renal function, pancreatic function and body weight.     

Suppression of monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation by black currant seed oil

The subcutaneous air pouch formed in Sprague-Dawley rats was used to study the effect of diets enriched in black currant seed oil (BCSO) on acute inflammation induced by monosodium urate crystals. The BCSO enriched diet suppressed significantly both the cellular and fluid phases of inflammation (polymorphonuclear leucocyte and exudate accumulation). In contrast, administration of normal chow or of a diet enriched in safflower oil (polyunsaturated fatty acid control) did not influence monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in this model. The findings indicate that a diet which provides both n-6 (gammalinolenic acid) and n-3 (alphalinolenic acid) fatty acids as substrates alternative to arachidonatic acid for oxidative metabolism, modifies monosodium urate crystal-induced acute inflammation.     

The regulation of inflammation by oxidized phospholipids

During inflammation or under conditions of oxidative stress, the polyunsaturated fatty acid side chains of phospholipids in cellular membranes or lipoproteins can be oxidatively modified. This process generates a complex mixture of structurally diverse oxidized phospholipid (OxPL) species, each of which may exert distinct biological effects. The presence of OxPLs has been documented in acute and chronic microbial infections, metabolic disorders, and degenerative diseases. It is now well recognized that OxPLs actively influence biological processes and contribute to the induction and resolution of inflammation. While many pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory effects have been documented for bulk OxPL preparations, we are only beginning to understand the exact molecular mechanisms and signaling events that mediate the individual proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory bioactivities of discrete isolated OxPL species. Here, we review the current knowledge on the regulation of inflammation by OxPLs and summarize recent studies that establish cyclopentenone‐containing OxPLs as a category of potent anti‐inflammatory lipid mediators.     

Haematological characteristics of morbid members of the Macropodidae

Haematological data from clinically ill animals coming from six species of macropodids were retrospectively analysed. A haematological indication of inflammation was the most commonly observed abnormality, present in 19/29 animals. Of these, 18/19 exhibited changes in neutrophil concentration. The magnitude of neutrophilia was typically ‘mild’ with only two animals having a neutrophil concentration greater than 10×10⁹/l. Morphological atypia of neutrophils was less commonly present (10/19). Hyperfibrinogenaemia was the least reliable indicator of inflammation (6/19). Mild anaemia was evident in three animals with no indication of increased erythropoietic response. This study indicates that the haematological response by macropodids, to a range of clinical disorders, is likely to result in only mild changes in haematological values. Consequently, when such mild changes are encountered, a thorough investigation of the animal’s health should ensue.     

Secondary CD8+ T-cell responses are controlled by systemic inflammation

Repeated infections and experimental prime-boost regimens frequently result in the generation of secondary (2°) CD8(+) T-cell responses. In contrast to primary (1°) CD8(+) T cells, the parameters that influence the abundance and phenotype of 2° effector and memory CD8(+) T-cell populations are largely unknown. Here, we analyze the impact of different booster infections, Ag curtailment, and systemic inflammation on the quality and quantity of secondary CD8(+) T-cell responses. We show that similar to 1° CD8(+) T-cell responses, the phenotype of 2° effector and memory CD8(+) T-cell populations is critically dependent on the nature of the infectious pathogen and the inflammatory milieu early after infection. In addition, systemic inflammation increases the number of 2° effector and memory CD8(+) T cells after booster infections and immunizations. Therefore, our data reveal new means to boost the number of 2° effector and memory CD8(+) T cells in prime-boost regimens and show a surprisingly high degree of plasticity in 2° memory CD8(+) T-cell phenotype that is controlled by systemic inflammation.     

Age-promoted creation of a pro-cancer microenvironment by inflammation: pathogenesis of dyscoordinated feedback control

Aging and local chronic inflammation are established risk factors for epithelial tumorigenesis. These risk factors can act individually and/or synergistically to increase the incidence of age-related carcinomas. The basis for this co-stimulatory response has not yet been defined, nor have the feedback mechanisms that are responsible for this synergism. This review provides insight into the age-stimulated dysregulation of coordination of feedbacks in oxygen-, heme-, and proteolysis-dependent metabolic pathways caused by acute and chronic inflammation, and its role as a possible pathological basis for the creation of a pro-cancer microenvironment (PCM). The PCM facilitates the selective survival and growth of transformed cells (in a manner similar to a cancer-supportive microenvironment (CM)). The cancer-induced environment has certain features in common with chronic inflammatory-induced PCM. Namely, there are: enhanced oxidative cell resistance against apoptosis, increased production of matrix-degrading enzymes, switching to glycolytic metabolism, angiogenesis and vasorelaxation thus providing nutrient delivery, but restriction of the immune cell mobilization and/or its activation. The hypothetical model of PCM-genesis is presented as a result of enzymatic dysregulation of feedback control including oxygen-, heme-, prostaglandin E(2)-, metalloproteinase-9-, and NO/CO-dependent pathways. PCM-genesis takes place between the growth-inhibiting (cytotoxic) and growth promoting (regenerative) stages of inflammatory response. According to this model, age-related metabolic changes create opportunities for chronic (not acute) inflammatory response, which supports the PCM-condition with the non-healing wound state that often occurs around carcinomas.     

乳胶致小鼠气道炎症的研究

目的：以乳胶为致敏原，建立具有哮喘主要特征的小鼠模型，研究乳胶与气道炎症之间的关系。方法：乳胶腹腔注射与滴鼻诱发BALB／C小鼠气道炎症，在激发后2，4小时行支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)细胞计数分类、肺组织病理检查、血清总IgE及乳胶特异性IgE(sIgE)测定并检测IL-5、IFN-γ的表达。结果：乳胶诱发后，实验组小鼠BALF中细胞总数及嗜酸粒细胞百分比升高；肺组织病理切片示支气管上皮增生、脱落，粘液腺分泌现象，支气管痉挛、收缩，炎症细胞浸润；血清总IgE及乳胶sIgE水平升高；BALF及肺组织局部IFN-γ减少，IL-5增高。结论：用乳胶蛋白作为致敏原，采用腹腔致敏与多次滴鼻激发可使BALB/C小鼠发生气道炎症，具有与变应原诱导的人类哮喘迟发反应相一致的主要特征：气道变应性炎症；外周血IgE浓度升高；肺组织中Th2型CK表达占优势。     

蛋白酶激活受体在炎症中的作用

蛋白酶激活受体(Proteinase-activated receptors,PARs)是G蛋白偶联受体家族的一员,介导跨膜信号转导并调节 细胞的功能。它被激活后参与许多疾病的发生和发展过程,尤其在炎症反应中所起的作用受到人们越来越多的关注。     

Haematological reference intervals of the south american rattlesnake ( Crotalus durissus terrificus , Laurenti, 1768) in captivity

Blood samples were taken from 180 healthy specimens of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) kept in captivity. The red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit value, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) obtained were within the normal values reported for other Crotalid, Viperid and Elapid species. Total leucocyte (WBC) counts were within the range described in other ophidian species. No significant changes were observed as a function of sex and age. The period of the year (seasonal variation) was the only factor which had a significant influence on the haematological parameters. RBC counts, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were 17–30% higher during winter-time (p<0.01), whereas the WBC and thrombocyte counts were 15–20% higher (p<0.01) during the summer.     

Haematological and biochemical parameters and the serum concentrations of phosphorus, lead, cadmium and chromium in flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) in Iran

Blood samples of nine flamingos and 12 black-headed gulls from Fars province of Iran were used to determine the haematological and biochemical factors and the concentrations of phosphorus, lead, chromium and cadmium in serum. Haematological parameters in flamingo—packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) number, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 35.21±1.6 (%), 117.8±59 (g/l), 2.27±0.29 (×10¹²/l), 5.93±1.25 (×10⁹/l), 201.84±86 (fl), 62.54±5.73 (pg), 329±1.6 (g/l), 64.71±4.47 (%), 35.14±2.1 (%) and 76.4±9.2 (10⁹/l), respectively. Haematological parameters in black-headed gull—PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 39±2.52 (%), 123±13.3 (g/l), 2.89±0.45 (×10¹²/l), 2.25±0.42 (×10⁹/l), 184±17.32 (fl), 60.33±6.74 (pg), 327.6±3.8 (g/l), 57.33±12.2 (%), 42.66±4.7 (%) and 61.44±8.25 (10⁹/l), respectively. The results of blood serum biochemistry in flamingo indicated that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 8.45±1.65 (mmol/l), 10.4±0.01 (mmol/l), 55±4.7 (g/l), 17.1±2.7 (g/l), 528.99±172.4 (μmol/l), 70.83±19.77 (IU/l), 4.2±0.2 (IU/l), 19.78±5.38 (IU/l), 197.16±57.45 (IU/l), 2.01±0.4 (mmol/l), 2.55±0.98 (μmol/l), 11.14±3.95 (μmol/l) and 4.08±1.41 (μmol/l), respectively. The results of blood biochemistry in black-headed gull indicated that the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, CPK, phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 10.78±1.39 (mmol/l), 7.37±0.63 (mmol/l), 51±8.1 (g/l), 18.3±2 (g/l), 707.8±210.55 (μmol/l), 92.66±17.14 (IU/l), 9.21±1.2 (IU/l), 27.73±5.37 (IU/l), 164.33±48.81 (IU/l), 2.09±0.59 (mmol/l), 3.26±1.1 (μmol/l), 10.32±2.49 (μmol/l) and 5.91±1.25 (μmol/l), respectively. The results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in both species, which could be an indication of environmental pollution.     

星形胶质细胞在脑缺血诱导的炎症反应中的作用及其机制

脑缺血诱发的炎症反应在急性期可引发脑水肿,挤压缺血灶周围正常脑组织,从而加重神经功能损伤;而在卒中恢复期,对神经组织进行修复具有重要保护作用。近年研究发现星形胶质细胞(Ast)也参与脑缺血后的炎症反应,通过产生抑炎/促炎因子及形成胶质瘢痕/胶质限制对脑组织兼具保护和损伤双重作用,多条信号通路参与这一过程,此外,其与小胶质细胞协同作用也越来越受到重视。靶向调控星形胶质细胞调节脑缺血后炎症反应、促进康复为缺血性卒中治疗和新药研发指明了新的方向。     

Erythropoietin attenuates hyperoxia-induced lung injury by down-modulating inflammation in neonatal rats

This study was done to determine whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) treatment could attenuate hyperoxia-induced lung injury, and if so, whether this protective effect is mediated by the down-modulation of inflammation in neonatal rats. Newborn Sprague Dawley rat pups were subjected to 14 days of hyperoxia (>95% oxygen) within 10 hr after birth. Treatment with rhEPO significantly attenuated the mortality and reduced body weight gain caused by hyperoxia. With rhEPO treatment, given 3 unit/gm intraperitoneally at 4th, 5th, and 6th postnatal day, hyperoxia- induced alterations in lung pathology such as decreased radial alveolar count, increased mean linear intercept, and fibrosis were significantly improved, and the inflammatory changes such as myeloperoxidase activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression were also significantly attenuated. In summary, rhEPO treatment significantly attenuated hyperoxia-induced lung injury by down-modulating the inflammatory responses in neonatal rats.     

The role of neutrophils in inflammation resolution

The fundamental role played by neutrophils for an efficient, acute inflammatory response has long been appreciated, with the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms largely elucidated over the past decades. However, more recent work suggests that the biological functions exerted by this fascinating leucocyte are somewhat more extensive than previously acknowledged. Here we discuss how extravasated neutrophils govern the initiation of the resolution phase of inflammation by enabling activation of pro-resolving circuits to ensure the safe conclusion of the inflammatory response. The neutrophil ‘alarm bell’ on resolution is effected through release of soluble mediators as well as apoptotic bodies and other vesicles, which, in turn, can inform and modify the microenvironment ultimately leading to termination of the inflammatory response coinciding with re-establishment of tissue homeostasis and functionality.     

Cachexia and the acute-phase protein response in inflammation are regulated by interleukin-6

Cachexia and the acute-phase response are common manifestations of inflammation and are presumed to be the product of increased synthesis and release of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-1 receptor blockade has been previously shown to attenuate the weight loss, anorexia and acute-phase protein responses associated with a turpentine abscess. However, IL-1 receptor blockade was also associated with a reduced plasma IL-6 response, suggesting that the benefit achieved by IL-1 receptor blockade may be mediated by reduced systemic IL-6 production. To gain a better understanding of the role of IL-6 in this model of inflammation, C57BL/6 mice were passively immunized with either a monoclonal anti-IL-6 antibody (20F3), an anti-IL-1 type I receptor monoclonal antibody (35F5), a non-immune rat IgG, or a combined therapy of 35F5 and 20F3, before receiving a sterile turpentine abscess. IL-6 or IL-1 receptor blockade equally spared body weight and food intake. Compared to IL-1 receptor blockade, passive immunization against IL-6 further reduced the hepatic acute-phase protein response, as represented by serum amyloid P and complement 3. Combined blockade of IL-6 and IL-1 receptor did not result in a further sparing of body weights or improvement of food intake. These results confirm that IL-1 contributes to host cachexia and the acute-phase response following a turpentine abscess, but also show that these actions are dependent upon an IL-6 response. We onclude that the influence of IL-1 on cachexia and the acute-phase response is mediated, at least in part, through IL-6 and, thus, IL-6 may play a pivotal role in the cachexia and acute-phase response to inflammation.