Study on the possible presence of aflatoxin B 1 in liver and muscle tissue of slaughter animals]

Seventy-seven samples of liver (from pigs, bulls, cows, broiler chickens, layers), twenty-eight samples of white muscle (from pigs, broilers, layers), and twenty-four samples of red muscle (from pigs, broilers, layers) were examined by the modified Jacobson method (Jacobson et al. 1971) for the contingent presence of aflatoxin B1. The samples came from healthy animals, part of them from animals fed non-traditional feed containing pig excrements. Positive findings were only obtained in two samples of pork liver, out of the total number of 30 samples. One sample came from pigs fed a ration containing 5% of pig excrements, the other from a traditionally fed pig. The amounts of aflatoxin B1 found in these two samples can be treated as trace quantities, since the concentration did not exceed 0.1 microgram per kg. In the samples of muscle and liver of the other farm animals, the chromatogram did not show the presence of spots which might resemble, in colour and position, the spots of aflatoxin B1.     

Effects of feed particle size at dietary presence of added organic acids on caecal parameters and the prevalence of Salmonella in fattening pigs on farm and at slaughter

In a field study with fattening pigs, effects of feed particle size at the dietary presence of organic acids on Salmonella prevalence were measured. On two farms (f1/f2), each holding ～800 pigs, diets based on finely ground (control) or coarsely ground ingredients (experiment) were fed as crumbs. On f1 both control and experimental grower and finisher diets contained identical concentrations of formic and propionic acid (0.4% and 0.2% respectively). On f2 only finisher diet of the experimental group contained 1.2% potassium diformate. At the start of the fattening period no statistical differences were measured between Salmonella prevalence in animals fed control and experimental diets on both farms. At slaughter Salmonella prevalence in caecal contents was lower (p < 0.05) on f1 in animals fed the experimental diet. Furthermore, the number of seronegative meat juice samples taken from these animals [optical density (OD) <10] was higher (p < 0.001); seropositive as well as distinct seropositive samples (OD ≥20 and ≥40 respectively) were less frequent (p < 0.01) compared to samples from animals fed the control diet. Feeding the experimental diet on f2 resulted in a lower Salmonella detection rate in faeces before slaughter (p < 0.01). Salmonella prevalence was lower in caecal content at slaughter for pigs fed the experimental diet compared to those fed control diet (p < 0.0001). The number of distinct seropositive meat juice samples (OD ≥40) was lower (p < 0.01) for pigs fed the experimental than for those fed the control diet. In comparison to pigs in the control group, starch concentrations in the caecal content from pigs in the experimental groups on both farms were higher (p < 0.05) and the pH values lower (p < 0.05). Propionate (p < 0.0001) and butyrate (p < 0.01) concentrations were higher in the caecal content taken from pigs in the experimental group on f2.     

Level of heavy metals in the liver of sheep in experimental poisoning with copper oxide from industrial emissions

The life span and cumulation of heavy metals in the liver of 12 ewes of the Improved Wallachian breed were investigated in relation to feeding pollutants from a copper works. The total intake of copper, iron, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead was 466.8; 1253.93; 111.67; 34.75; 0.091; 2.13 mg per experimental animal/day, respectively. The average life span of ewes in the experimental group was 77 days. The difference between the first and the last animal which died from copper intoxication was 18 days. The concentration of copper in the liver of sheep who died from intoxication by this metal (2138.28 +/- 1090.96 mg. kg-1 in dry matter) was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) if compared with the control ewes (212.9 +/- 58.33 mg. .kg-1 in dry matter). In the course of observations no direct dependence between the concentration of copper in the liver and the life span of experimental animals was confirmed. The content of iron and zinc in the liver of experimental animals was within the reference range; the difference in zinc was statistically significant when compared with the control group (p less than 0.01). The intake of pollutants from the copper works increased significantly the concentration of arsenic and lead in the liver of experimental animals (p less than 0.01) if compared with the control group. The amount of cadmium in the liver of experimental ewes was 0.304 +/- 0.22 mg. .kg-1 and in the control ewes 0.285 +/- 0.10 mg.kg-1 in dry matter; no significant difference was determined at the same time.     

三聚氰胺时蛋鸡的急性生和蓄积毒性

通过2个试验,研究三聚氰胺经口染毒对蛋鸡的急性毒性和蓄积毒性.试验一,选择70只220日龄海兰褐蛋鸡随机分成7组,每组10只,蛋鸡一次口服三聚氰胺的剂量分别是944.7、1 306.7、1 807.4、2 500.1、3 458.0、4 783.1和6 616.0 mg/kg,研究三聚氰胺对蛋鸡的急性毒性.试验二,选择40只240日龄的海兰褐蛋随机分成对照组和试验组,每组20R,试验组蛋鸡每日口服三聚氰胺605.0 mg/kg,累积剂量至5LD50时结束试验,对照组口服等量淀粉,研究三聚氰胺对蛋鸡的蓄积毒性.试验结束后,对存活蛋鸡进行耐受性测定.结果表明,海兰褐蛋鸡口服三聚氰胺的LD50为2 419.9 mg/kg,95%可信限是2 017.0～2 903.4 mg/kg.蓄积系数K>5.三聚氰胺中毒存活鸡一次口服三聚氰胺2 419.9 mg/kg后,蛋鸡死亡率达8.3%;对照组蛋鸡初次口服三聚氰胺2 419.9 mg/kg后,死亡率达45%,二者差异显著(P<0.05).由此可见,三聚氰胺对蛋鸡具有低毒性、轻度蓄积的特点,蛋鸡对三聚氰胺具有较高的耐受性.     

The equine enteric nervous system — Neuron characterization and distribution in adults and juveniles

A study of myenteric and submucosal plexuses was undertaken in the jejunum and ileum of horses and ponies in which no clinical or pathological evidence of intestinal abnormality was apparent. Complete transverse sections of the intestine, stained by a modified haematoxylin and eosin method, were examined using up to 20 sequential sections per animal. Information was gathered from adult, juvenile and fetal equidae. In adults, the longitudinal muscle layers were thinner than the circular muscle layers and the ileum had thicker layers compared to the jejunum. In adults, the submucosal plexus had more neurons per section than the myenteric plexus by mean ratios of 1:3 in the jejunum and 1:1.9 in the ileum. In juveniles, the ratios were respectively 1:1.8 and 1:1.5 and in the fetus 1:2.5 and 1:1.3. The three-dimensional distribution of neurons in both plexuses varied from animal to animal and no consistent pattern was observed. Groups of neurons contained between one and 42 cells per section examined and their length in a cranio-caudal direction varied from 10 to over, 100 µm. There were few statistical differences observed between the cranial, middle and caudal portions of either the jejunum or the ileum when neuron groups or neuron numbers per section were examined in 10 adult animals.Abbreviations H&E haematoxylin and eosin Deceased; formerly of the Moredun Research Institute, 408, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH17 7JH, UK     

Effect of selenium and vitamin E on oxidative stress in lambs experimentally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haemonchus contortus</Emphasis>

The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. Twenty male Corriedale lambs were divided into four experimental groups with five animals each: G1 consisted of animals infected and supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg of live weight (LW) sodium selenite by intramuscular injection (IM); G2 consisted of animals infected with larvae and supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg LW sodium selenite IM and 2000 IU per animal of Vitamin E IM; G3 consisted of animals infected with larvae and supplemented with 2000 IU per animal of Vitamin E IM; and G4 consisted of animals infected with larvae. The animals were infected orally with 500 H. contortus larvae (L3) every 48 hours for 20 days. For biochemical analyses and eggs per grams of feces (EPG) evaluation, blood and feces were both collected at zero (T0), 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) days. The weight of the animals was also measured at these times. Lower TBARS values were observed in the supplemented animals compared to the control group. The groups supplemented with Selenium exhibited blood GSH-Px activity higher than that of non-supplemented animals. Supplementation with selenium provided greater antioxidant protection against oxidative stress generated from experimental infection of lambs with H. contortus.     

Histologische und ultrastrukturelle Untersuchungen am Vaginalepithel des Rindes

Histological and electron microscopical examinations of the vaginal epithelium of the cow The vaginal epithelium of the cow was not uniform. Its structure depended on the place from where a sample was taken, the hormonal status of the animal, and other (individual) factors. From each of 23 cows 11 tissue samples were taken at equal distances from the entire length of the vagina. Some cows had low blood hormone values, others were under gestagen dominance and still others under the influence of estradiol. In cows with low blood hormone values, tissue samples 1 and 2 (E 1 and E 2), which corresponded to the fornix and its junction with the vagina proper, showed an epithelium of one or two layers of cylindrical cells. Tissue samples E 3 to E 5 (cranial half of the vagina) were dominated by an epithelium consisting of three layers, i. e. two layers of basal cells and one variably shaped layer of apical cells. In E 6 to E 10 (caudal half) the height of the epithelium increased from three to about ten cell layers; a stratum intermedium of variable thickness could be discerned. Tissue sample Ell (vestibule) had a non-cornified squamous epithelium of multiple layers. Cows under the influence of gestagen had an epithelium which in principle was similar to the above findings. In cows under the influence of estradiol, the rate of cell proliferation was increased, the epithelium was thicker throughout, showed an active tendency of desquamation, and that in the vestibule had the potential to become cornified. Free cells (lymphocytes and plasma cells) were found in all areas; they were more numerous in animals under the influence of gestagen. In animals under the influence of estradiol also neutrophils were encountered. PAS-positive mucosubstances containing acid groups were found in the apical cells of the cranial end of the vagina. These substances could be responsible for a typical reaction (Kuppenreaktion) in the epithelial type that featured a stratum intermedium. Apart from folds the vaginal epithelium contained genuine intraepithelial and subepithelial glands.     

鲫鱼和斑马鱼视网膜结构的比较组织学研究

为探讨鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)和斑马鱼(Brachydanio rerio)视网膜组织结构与其生活环境的适应关系,对这2种鱼视网膜各层厚度、3个核层的胞核层数进行了测量,并对数据进行了统计分析。结果表明:鲫鱼和斑马鱼视网膜均由4层细胞构成,在光镜下共分为10层。鲫鱼视网膜平均厚度196.57μm,斑马鱼视网膜平均厚度167.57μm。斑马鱼的视网膜内核层的细胞数目比外核层多,而鲫鱼的视网膜外核层细胞数目多于内核层数目。鲫鱼和斑马鱼这2种鱼类视网膜结构的差异,与其各自的生活环境相适应。     

Natural infection and transmission of a retrovirus closely related to myeloblastosis-associated virus type 1 in egg-type chickens

Myeloblastosis-associated virus type 1 (MAV-1) is an exogenous avian retrovirus with oncogenic potential. MAV-1 was detected in young chicks hatching from eggs produced by an experimental genetic line of egg-type chickens. Transmissibility of MAV-1 had not been documented previously. This investigation was intended to partially characterize the virus involved and to study its transmissibility and oncogenicity in naturally and contact-infected chickens. Commercially produced white and brown layer pullets free of exogenous avian leukosis viruses were commingled at hatch with naturally MAV-1-infected chickens. The original MAV-1-infected chickens were discarded after approximately 8 wk, and the contact-exposed chickens were maintained in isolation for 36 wk. Young specific-pathogen-free (SPF) single comb white leghorn chickens were added to the group to study possible horizontal transmission of MAV-1 in young chickens. Upon weekly virus isolation attempts, MAV-1 was readily isolated from the contact-exposed white layers but not from the brown layers between 36 and 53 wk of age (18 wk in total). Three-week-old SPF chickens were readily infected with MAV-1 by contact as early as 1 wk postexposure. Throughout 22 hatches derived from the white and brown MAV-1-contact-exposed layers (between 36 and 53 wk of age), MAV-1 was frequently detected in the white layer progeny, whereas the virus was seldom isolated from the progeny produced by the brown layers during the same 18-wk period. MAV-1 induced a persistent infection in some of the SPF chickens that were exposed by contact at 3 wk of age. Gross tumors were not detected in any of the originally infected experimental chickens at 8 wk of age, in the contact-exposed brown or white layers at the termination of the study at 53 wks of age, or in the contact-exposed SPF chickens at the end of the study at 12 wk of age. Exogenous avian leukosis-related viruses may still be detected in egg-type chickens, emphasizing the importance of thorough screening before incorporation of experimental genetic material into commercial genetic lines of egg-type chickens.     

A preliminary study of the short circuit current (Isc) responses of sweat gland cells from normal and anhidrotic horses to purinergic and adrenergic agonists

The causal factors of equine anhidrosis have not yet been elucidated but defective electrolyte transport mechanisms in the gland are likely to be involved. To investigate this possibility, experiments were performed on cultured equine sweat gland epithelia from five free-sweating UK horses (3 intact males, 2 mares, aged 2-4 years) and from three free-sweating Singapore horses (1 intact male, 2 mares, aged 3-5 years) and three anhidrotic (Singapore) horses (1 intact male, 1 gelding, 1 mare, aged 3-6 years). Cultured cells from each animal were grown on permeable supports and loaded into Ussing chambers to quantify transepithelial resistance and agonist-induced electrolyte transport by the short circuit current (Isc) technique. Transepithelial resistances across the layers of cultured cells were not significantly different between cells from UK and Singapore free-sweating horses, but were significantly reduced in anhidrotic animals. Purinergic agonists added to the apical and basolateral aspects of the cultured cells caused similar increases in Isc between the two populations of unaffected cells, but Isc increases were significantly reduced in anhidrotic animals. Beta-adrenergic agonist stimulation of the anhidrotic cell layers failed to elicit any change in Isc. These pilot results not only confirm earlier conclusions from anatomical findings that failure in the secretory process occurs in anhidrosis but also indicate that both of the known ion transport mechanisms are involved. The trigger for these failures warrants further investigation.     

Use of the skin test in the evaluation of true levels of cellular immunity and levels after experimental administration of glucan and levamisole in feed-lot bulls]

Applicability of a skin test induced by dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to quantification of the actual level of cellular immunity (CI) in vivo and its level after an experimental immunomodulation intervention were evaluated in two breeds (40 animals in each) of fattening bulls (10-11 months old). At the selected methodical procedure of intensity determination of the delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH), its average value reached 4.5 +/- 1.5 mm in 80 animals, while in 77.5% of bulls its level ranged from 3.6 to 9.6 mm, in 18.7% from 2.0 to 3.5 mm and in 3.8% remained less than 2.0 mm. Evident expression of the reaction points to the possibility of application of the used methodical procedure of the skin test using DNFB to quantify the level of CI response in vivo in cattle. Percentual representation of animals according to the intensity of skin reaction (Tab. I) and concentration of total serum immunoglobulins (Cs-Ig) and serum IgG (Tab. II) indicates the different cellular and humoral state of animals in investigated breeds. This is also confirmed by the recorded average values of mentioned parameters which were significantly lower (P less than 0.01; or 0.05) in animals of the first breed (4.0 +/- 1.3 mm; 28.3 +/- 4.4 U ZST, 18.4 +/- 3.5 g.l-1) than in breed 2 (4.9 +/- 1.6 mm; 32.5 +/- 3.8 U ZST; 20.3 +/- 3.5 g.l-1). The animals of each breed were divided into four experimental groups with the approximately equal actual levels of DTH (Tab. III).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Experimental infection of camels with bluetongue virus

Three camels aged 4–5 years were experimentally infected with Bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV-1) and were observed for 75 days. No clinical signs of disease were observed throughout the experiment, however all three animals seroconverted and developed BTV-1 specific neutralising antibodies after challenge. All three camels developed a viraemia from 7 days post infection albeit at a lower level than that usually observed in experimental infections of sheep and cattle. Virus was isolated from the blood of all three animals suggesting that camels may act as a reservoir for BTV and play an important role in its transmission.     

Analysis of BoLA class II microsatellites in cattle infested with Boophilus microplus ticks: class II is probably associated with susceptibility

The aim of this study was to determine the role of certain bovine lymphocyte antigens (BoLA) regions in the resistance or susceptibility to Boophilus microplus tick infestation in two different breeds of cattle. The breeds were maintained, one in natural conditions and the second one in an experimental setting at the research station in Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz, Mexico. The study took place from June to August 2001 (natural infestation) using 33 crossbreed steers (crossbreed is here defined as 3/4 European = 1/2 Simmenthal x 1/4 Holstein x 1/4 Zebu, a cross resulting from F1 x Simmenthal), ranging from 15 to 20 months old. Fifty-nine F1 cows (1/2 Holstein x 1/2 Zebu) were included in the experimental setting, infested and followed during 25 days in November 2001 and 2002. Experiment A included thirty-one 2-7-year-old F1 cows, and experiment B included twenty-eight 18-24-month-old F1 heifers. Both groups were analysed separately and were not comparable because of the different infestation methods and genetic background. All ticks > or =4mm long were counted on the total body of F1 animals and on one side of the 3/4 European steers. In this case, susceptible animals were defined when having ticks = X + 1S.D. (29 +/- 16). In the experimental setting susceptibility was defined when the number of ticks was over the 75 percentile (> or =79). DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of all animals. The BoLA DRB3, DRBP1, RM185 and BM1815 microsatellite loci were amplified using a PCR method. Genescan software was used for analysis in an ABI sequencer. The SPSS statistical program was used and the comparisons were assessed using the Fisher's exact test. In the naturally infested animals, DRB3-184 was found positively associated with tick infestation (P = 0.018; Pc = NS; OR = 5; EF = 28%). DRBP1-128 was also found to be increased (P = 0.03; Pc = NS; OR = 6; EF = 42%). In the experimentally infested animals, two more loci were found to be associated, BM1815-152 (P = 0.01; Pc = NS; OR = 15; EF = 74%) and DRBP1-130 (P = 0.05; Pc = NS; OR = 4; EF = 77%). None of them remained significant after correction, indicating that a larger sample size is needed to confirm the results. This is the first study showing MHC genes associated with tick infestation based on class II microsatellite polymorphisms. Further studies are needed to confirm the susceptibility traits and to determine haplotype segregation in families.     

Ureteral Function and Healing Following Microsurgical Transureteroureterostomy in the Dog

An oblique end-to-side anastomosis of one ureter to the contralateral ureter (transureteroureterostomy) may permit salvage of a kidney whose middle or distal ureter is not salvageable by standard repair techniques. This procedure was done with intraoperative magnification and microsurgical techniques in 5 experimental dogs. Animals were euthanized for healing studies at 1, 3 and 5 weeks, and the results correlated with postoperative and preterminal excretory urograms. Healing of the anastomosis was organized by layers and completed both grossly and histologically in all animals at 5 weeks. Ureter function was retained except for short-term, mild, postoperative hydroureter. Potential clinical indications for transureteroureterostomy are: 1) middle or distal ureteral transection due to trauma; 2) delayed recognition of iatrogenic intraoperative severence or ligation; 3) distal ureteral neoplasia; and 4) selected cases of ectopic ureter. Complications include dehiscence, stricture, or the dissemination of infection or neoplasia which would compromise proximal ureters and both kidneys.     

Diagnosis of heartwater in the live animal: experiences with goats in Guadeloupe

A presumptive diagnosis of heartwater in the living animal can be based on clinical and epidemiologic observations. In Guadeloupe, heartwater can be confused with haemonchosis in goats or cerebral babesiosis in cattle. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis by brain biopsy is useful in experimental infections but is hardly applicable in the field. Positive results were obtained from 92% of animals 16 to 18 days after experimental infection. In febrile animals the best results were obtained between the 3rd and 6th days of the thermal response. Diagnosis can also be supported by serological tests. These are useful for monitoring experimental infections and for checking recovered animals in the field. Nineteen goats out of 27 were negative on Day 1 of the febrile reaction but positive a week later. The remaining 8 goats were positive on Day 1 and had greatly increased antibody titres a week later. Confirmation of a diagnosis can also be achieved by subinoculating into susceptible animals either blood or suspensions of ticks collected from suspect animals and then homogenized. Ticks that have engorged on a suspect animal can be allowed to moult and then fed on a susceptible animal to test their infectivity. These methods are time consuming but useful for heartwater surveys.     

Estrogen receptors alpha and beta and progesterone receptors in normal bovine ovarian follicles and cystic ovarian disease

The purpose of this study was to determine by immunohistochemistry the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in ovarian follicular structures from cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD) and to compare these with normal ovarian structures. Secondary, tertiary, atretic, and cystic follicles were evaluated. The follicular cysts of animals with COD presented a significantly higher expression of estrogen receptor alpha in all follicular layers than secondary, tertiary, and atretic follicles in both groups (P < .05). The intensity of estrogen receptor beta in the granulosa cell layer was stronger in tertiary than in secondary and atretic follicles in normal animals (P < .05) and in growing and cystic follicles in animals with COD (P < .05). Theca cells were scarcely stained in the 2 groups. Growing follicles and cysts from COD animals were less stained than tertiary follicles from normal animals (P < .05). Differences did not exist between the 2 groups with regard to the progesterone receptor. Ovaries of animals with COD exhibited altered estrogen receptors expression compared with that in normal animals.     

鼠类机会性寄生虫感染的实验研究

将住家附近诱捕到的74只黄胸鼠、43只褐家鼠和56只小家鼠随机分为实验Ⅱ组和对照组。实验Ⅰ组90只野鼠饮用1.0/L醋酸地塞米松水溶液；实验Ⅱ组66只野鼠给予皮下注射醋酸可的松；对照组不作任何处理。结果从实验Ⅰ组和实验II组的野鼠粪便和各种组织内共分离出5种机会性寄生虫，即微小隐孢子虫，结肠小袋纤毛虫，溶组织内阿米巴，弓形虫和卡氏肺孢子虫。然后将分离的虫体分别制成接种物，接种各种实验动物。接种后.经免疫处理的实验动物均出现典型的临床症状或死亡；未经免疫处理的实验动物则呈隐性感染。结果证明在机体免疫功能低下时.实验动物接种机会性病体后均能获得感染。提示我们，鼠类机会性寄生虫可能成为人体和其他动物感染的传染源，在公共卫生学上有重要意义。     

Intraovarian localization of growth factors in induced cystic ovaries in rats

We hypothesized that the special hormonal environment present in animals with cystic ovarian disease (COD) interferes with cellular production of growth factors (GFs). The objective of the present study was to characterize the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in induced COD using immunohistochemistry. We used an experimental model based on the exposure to constant light of adult rats during 15 weeks. We quantified the expression of GFs in cystic and normal ovaries by the Immunohistochemical Stained Area (IHCSA). In animals with COD, a significant reduction in the IHCSA of IGF-I in the follicular fluid, theca and granulosa layers of cysts occurred; and an increase in the interstitial tissue with regard to the control group. We found moderate immunoreactivity of FGF-2 in granulosa and theca layers of secondary and tertiary follicles and lower expression in the granulosa and theca interna layers of cystic follicles. Immunoexpression of VEGF was found in granulosa and theca cells of secondary and tertiary follicles. This study shows changes in the ovarian expression of IGF-I, FGF-2 and VEGF in induced COD. We can propose that an alteration in the control of the follicular dynamic, through the GFs, added to other features, could be involved in the ovarian cyst pathogenesis.     

The effects of low doses of Senna occidentalis seeds on broiler chickens

The effects of 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.1% w/w concentrations of Senna occidentalis (So) seed mixed with commercial ration were studied in 18 groups of 32 broiler chicks each, from 1 day to 49 days of age. Three groups were fed one of the rations throughout their lives (TL). Three other groups were fed one of the rations from the 1st to the 28th day of life (starter phase, SP), and the final 3 groups were fed one of the rations from the 29th to 49th day (finisher phase, FP). Each experimental group was matched by a control group fed the same diet over the same period but without the inclusion of So. All the animals were killed at 49 days of age, and blood was collected from 10 birds in each group for biochemical studies (ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, UA). A complete necropsy was performed on 3 birds from each group. No significant differences in the biochemical parameters in the serum were found between the control and experimental chicks, but animals treated with 0.5% So in groups FP and TL, gained less weight and chicks that received 0.3% So or 0.5% So in the ration throughout life (TL) had a larger feed conversion ratio. Besides this, degenerative changes were found in the striated skeletal muscle in the chest, in the myocardium and in the liver in the animals that received the higher concentrations of So seeds.     

Biochemical aspects of the toxic effects of Supermethrin and the histochemical activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in subchronic poisoning in sheep]

Fifteen Slovak Merino sheep were included in the experiment. The animals weighing 21-28 kg were divided into three groups per five animals. In a six-week feeding experiment the animals of group I were given 50 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day while those of group II received 200, and from week four of the experiment 300 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day. During the experiment changes of aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2), acetylcholine esterase (EC 3.1.1.7), urea und creatinine levels in blood serum were observed. Six weeks after supermethrin treatment the sheep were slaughtered and histochemical evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and non-specific esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) was carried out in liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In the course of the experiment changes of the enzymatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase observed in both experimental groups of sheep were similar to those seen in the control group of animals (Tab. I). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes in the activity of alanine aminotransferase were observed in group II of the experiment and in the controls. However, a significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activity could be seen in the blood serum of sheep of group I (Tab. II). In both experimental groups of animals no significant changes in the acetylcholine esterase could be seen (Tab. III). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes were observed in creatinine levels of the control and the 1st experimental group of sheep (Tab. IV). In the sheep of the 2nd group a temporary significant decrease (p < 0.05) in creatinine levels was seen. The dynamics of urea levels was similar to starting values in all animals throughout the experiment Tab. V). In the control group of animals (Fig. 1) the high density of reaction product of alkaline phosphatase was determined in the microvilli of enterocytes of the small intestine. In the small intestine of the animals of both experimental groups, the activity of this enzyme was shown to be located in the same zone (Fig. 2). In all experimental animals in the parenchyma of the liver and kidney no significant changes could be observed. In both experimental and control animals the high activity of acid phosphatase was demonstrated to be located especially in the cytoplasma of enterocytes. The activity of non-specific esterase was located in the cytoplasma of enterocytes of the small intestine, in the intestinal crypts its activity was slight up to high.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)