muramidase and Body-Weight

In this study, non-specific immune effects of tetra (Cotinus coggyria) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by dietary intake were investigated. Fish were fed daily ad libitum with diets containing 0.5% and 1.0% tetra for 3 weeks. After this period, fish were switched back to the basal diet for additional 6 weeks. Extracellular and intracellular respiratory burst activities, phagocytosis in blood leukocytes, lysozyme activities, and total plasma protein levels were evaluated at the end of the tetra feeding period and every 3 weeks during the basal diet period. Extracellular and intracellular respiratory burst activities, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity and total protein level parameters of the groups containing 0.5% and 1.0% tetra were higher than the control group at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 9th weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest values of the non-specific immune parameters were observed in the group fed with 1.0% tetra. Tetra groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) in terms of specific growth rate and average weight of the fish.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Anacardiaceae; Animals; Body Weight; Immune System; Muramidase; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Phagocytosis; Plant Preparations; Superoxides

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Spirulina platensis in Nile tilapia diets on growth performance, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, immunological status, and intestinal histomorphometry. A total of 228 fish were randomly allocated into four groups with triplicates (19 fish per replicate). The first group was fed the control diet, which contained no Spirulina supplementation. The other three groups were fed diets containing graded levels of powdered Spirulina: 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% in the second, third, and fourth group, respectively. S. platensis was added to the diets partially substituting the fish meal content. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary Spirulina supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the body weight and length, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and feed conversion efficiency. Moreover, Spirulina increased significantly (P < 0.05) the hemoglobin, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs count. Also, it increased the lymphocytes, eosinophils, IgM level, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity in the blood. Additionally, the Spirulina raised (P < 0.05) the serum albumin level but reduced (P < 0.05) the creatinine and urea levels. The addition of Spirulina increased (P < 0.05) the height and width of intestinal villi and the lymphocytes and goblet cells count in the intestine. The obtained results were increased by increasing the inclusion level of Spirulina, especially for body weight and length, weight gain, FCR, phagocytic activity, and intestinal parameters. In conclusion, supplementing S. platensis can improve the growth performance of fish. Moreover, it can stimulate the immunity of fish through increasing the level of immunological blood indicators (IgM, lysozyme, phagocytic activity, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) as well as the local intestinal immunity (lymphocytes and goblet cells). So, it can be recommended to use S. platensis in fish diets not only to improve the growth performance but also to enhance the immune status.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Cichlids; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Immunoglobulin M; Muramidase; Weight Gain

This study investigated the growth performance and non-specific immunity in sub-adult turbot fed with graded levels of vitamin E (0, 120, 240, 480 and 960 mg kg(-1)) for 15 weeks. Results showed that the final weight, specific growth rate, nitro blue tetrazolium positive leucocytes of head kidney, phagocytic index, serum lysozyme activity and superoxide dismutase activity significantly increased with increasing vitamin E levels. The highest values were recorded in the diet with 480 mg kg(-1) vitamin E. However, no significant differences in the hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and survival rate were found among all dietary treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of complement component 3 (C3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukine 1β (IL-1β) were significantly upregulated in the fish feed with the vitamin E-supplemented diets. Compared with the basal diet, the diet supplemented with 480 mg kg(-1) vitamin E significantly augmented the mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α in the spleen and head-kidney, C3 in the liver, respectively. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate the basal diet supplemented with moderate dietary vitamin E (480 mg kg(-1)) increased the growth, nonspecific immune responses, and expression levels of some immune-related genes in sub-adult turbot. These observations suggest that optimal dietary vitamin E can promote the growth, maintain the health and improve the broodstock management for turbot.

Topics: Animals; Aquaculture; Body Weight; Complement C3; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Flatfishes; Head Kidney; Interleukin-1beta; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Superoxide Dismutase; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Vitamin E

Glucocorticoids play a role in the origin of the features of the metabolic diseases. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is defined as glutamine homologue and derivative, conditionally an essential amino acid. In the liver, glutamine serves as a precursor for ureagenesis, gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis The aim of the study was to determine the effect of AKG administered to piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, on the structure of the liver and its metabolic function. Sows were administered with dexamethasone (3 mg/sow/48 h) from day 70 of pregnancy to the parturition, and then after the birth, the piglets were divided into the group administered with AKG (0.4 g/kg body weight) or physiological saline. Biochemical markers, lysozyme and ceruloplasmin serum activities, concentrations of selected free amino acids, macro- and microelements and histomorphometry of the liver tissue were determined. The total cholesterol concentrations in the sows and their newborns from the Dex groups were higher by 72% and 64%, respectively, compared with the control groups. Triacylglycerol concentration was higher by 50% in sows from the Dex group and 55% in the new-born piglets. Alpha-ketoglutarate administered to the piglets after prenatal influence of dexamethasone lowered the total cholesterol concentration by 40%, and enhanced aspartate by 41%, serine by 76%, glutamate by 105%, glutamine by 36%, glycine by 53% and arginine by 105%, as well as methionine and cystathionine, but increased the sulphur concentration compared with the control (p < 0.01). Intracellular space D decreased after AKG administration in comparison with the piglets from Dex/Control group not treated with AKG. Postnatal administration of AKG had a protective effect on liver structure, and lowered the total cholesterol concentration in piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, and also influenced selected macro- and microelement serum concentrations and amino acids plasma concentration.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Body Weight; Ceruloplasmin; Cholesterol; Dexamethasone; Female; Fetal Development; Glucocorticoids; Ketoglutaric Acids; Liver; Muramidase; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Swine; Swine Diseases

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary recombinant human lysozyme (RHL) on the growth, immune response, anti-oxidative activity, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora and disease resistance of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps with an initial body weight of 2.36 ± 0.02 g were fed diets supplemented with 0 (control group, R0), 0.0025% (R1), 0.005% (R2), 0.01% (R3), 0.02% (R4) and 0.04% (R5) of RHL, respectively. After a 10-week feeding trial, the final body weight, survival rate, weight gain ratio and protein efficiency rate of the shrimps in dietary RHL supplemented groups were significantly higher than that in the control group, while feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The total haemocyte count, total anti-oxidative capacity, respiratory burst, activities of phagocytosis, nitric oxide synthase, phenol oxidase and lysozyme in serum were significantly higher in dietary RHL supplemented groups than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the intestinal pile height and wall thickness were significantly higher in dietary RHL supplemented groups than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Dietary RHL significantly improved the expressions of immune-related genes in gill, such as lipopolysaccharide-β-glucan binding protein, Toll, immune deficiency, heat shock protein 70 and Crustin (P < 0.05). The abundance of proteobacteria and bacteroidetes in intestine was higher, while the abundance of firmicutes and cyanobacteria was lower than those in the control group at the phylum level. In addition, dietary RHL supplementation significantly improved the protective ability of shrimp against V. parahaemolyticus infection (P < 0.05). Based on the broken-line model analysis for weight gain ratio after the feeding trial, the optimal level of dietary RHL supplementation for shrimp was estimated to be 0.006375%.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Disease Resistance; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Intestines; Muramidase; Penaeidae; Weight Gain

Supplying immunostimulants to aquatic feed has been an effective way to enhance the health of aquatic animals and substitute for antibiotics. In the present study, the potential effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) were evaluated in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus. Two levels of APS (50 and 150 mg/kg) were added to the basal diet (CON) and a 63-day growth trial (initial weight 10.13 ± 0.04 g) was conducted. As the results showed, significant improvement on growth performance in the APS groups were observed. In addition, dietary 150 mg/kg APS significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and lysozyme activities in liver. Meanwhile, APS diets induced the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) such as tlr5α, tlr5β, tlr8 and tlr21, while reduced the expression of tlr3 and tlr22. The expression of inflammatory genes myeloid differentiation factor 88 and nuclear factor kappa b p65 and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were up-regulated in APS groups while the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta was inhibited. Taken together, the present study indicated that Astragalus polysaccharides could remarkably enhance the growth performance, antioxidant activity and maintain an active immune response in turbot.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Astragalus Plant; Body Weight; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Supplements; Flatfishes; Inflammation; Liver; Muramidase; Polysaccharides; Signal Transduction

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Bass; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Complement Pathway, Alternative; Disease Resistance; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocyte Indices; Fish Diseases; Gene Expression Profiling; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Hemoglobins; Hydrocortisone; Immunity, Humoral; Inflammation; Muramidase; Neuroimmunomodulation; Nutritional Requirements; Peroxidases; Photobacterium; Tryptophan

Parenteral nutrition (PN) leads to decreased production of Paneth cell-derived antimicrobial peptides and is accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut. The role of gut microbiota in regulating Paneth cell function during PN is unknown.. Male C57BL/6 mice received either an antibiotic cocktail (Abx) or nothing (Normal) in their drinking water for 2 weeks before being fed either standard laboratory chow (Abx-Chow and Normal-Chow) or a continuous infusion of PN solution (Abx-PN and Normal-PN) for 7 days. In a separate experiment, the intestinal contents of mice having received 7 days of Chow or PN were transferred by gavage to germ-free (GF) mice.. Antibiotic treatment decreased the protein levels of lysozyme and RegIIIγ and the mRNA level of α-defensin 5, with no further effect by PN compared with chow. However, these measurements were higher in Abx-PN mice than in Normal-PN mice. When compared with Chow→GF, PN→GF mice demonstrated lower body weight, shorter intestinal length, severe atrophy of the ileum villus, and lower levels of lysozyme and RegIIIγ protein and α-defensin 5 mRNA. Interleukin (IL)-22 and IL-17 mRNA levels declined in the ileum. Principal component analysis revealed major differences between the metabolite compositions of the Chow and PN, as well as the Chow→GF and PN→GF groups that appears to indicate aberrant tryptophan metabolism.. Gut microbiota plays a vital role in PN-related Paneth cell dysfunction. Dysbiosis during PN might alter the production of microbial metabolites, thereby influencing the production of Paneth cell-derived antimicrobial peptides.

Topics: alpha-Defensins; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Body Weight; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Ileum; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-22; Interleukins; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muramidase; Paneth Cells; Parenteral Nutrition; Peptides; Principal Component Analysis; Proteins; RNA, Messenger; Tryptophan

Malnutrition remains a leading contributor to the morbidity and mortality of children under the age of 5 years and can weaken the immune system and increase the severity of concurrent infections. Livestock milk with the protective properties of human milk is a potential therapeutic to modulate intestinal microbiota and improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop an infection model of childhood malnutrition in the pig to investigate the clinical, intestinal and microbiota changes associated with malnutrition and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection and to test the ability of goat milk and milk from genetically engineered goats expressing the antimicrobial human lysozyme (hLZ) milk to mitigate these effects. Pigs were weaned onto a protein-energy-restricted diet and after 3 weeks were supplemented daily with goat, hLZ or no milk for a further 2 weeks and then challenged with ETEC. The restricted diet enriched faecal microbiota in Proteobacteria as seen in stunted children. Before infection, hLZ milk supplementation improved barrier function and villous height to a greater extent than goat milk. Both goat and hLZ milk enriched for taxa (Ruminococcaceae) associated with weight gain. Post-ETEC infection, pigs supplemented with hLZ milk weighed more, had improved Z-scores, longer villi and showed more stable bacterial populations during ETEC challenge than both the goat and no milk groups. This model of childhood disease was developed to test the confounding effects of malnutrition and infection and demonstrated the potential use of hLZ goat milk to mitigate the impacts of malnutrition and infection.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genotype; Goats; Intestinal Diseases; Intestines; Male; Malnutrition; Milk; Muramidase; Organ Size; Permeability; Swine; Weaning

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, gut microbial, antioxidant status and immune responses of juvenile loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). Five experimental diets were formulated to contain graded levels of chitosan (0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% CHI) for 50 days. Results of the present study showed that body weight gain was significantly higher in fish fed chitosan supplemented diets in dose dependent manner than control group. Increasing dietary chitosan levels reduced gut lipid content. Meanwhile the mRNA expression levels of intestine lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid binding protein 2 were significantly reduced with incremental dietary chitosan level. The percentages of total monounsaturated fatty acid decreased, while polyunsaturated fatty acid increased with dietary chitosan. The fish fed 0.5% CHI had higher mucus lysozyme activity (LZM) than those fed 0% CHI, but the LZM activity was significantly decreased with advancing chitosan supplement. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase revealed a similar trend, where the highest expressions were found in fish fed 5% CHI diet. In the term of intestine microbiota between 0 and 1% CHI groups, the proportion of bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes increased, whereas the proportion of bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes decreased as the fish supplemented chitosan. In conclusion, supplementation of chitosan improved growth performance, antioxidant status and immunological responses in loach.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Bacteroidetes; Body Weight; Catalase; Chitosan; Cypriniformes; Diet; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Firmicutes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glutathione Peroxidase; Immunity, Mucosal; Intestines; Lipase; Lipid Metabolism; Muramidase; Superoxide Dismutase; Weight Gain

Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), also known as the Japanese flounder in Japan, is one of the most important commercial marine finfish species cultured in Korea and Japan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a species of brown algae (Ecklonia cava, E. cava) affects the growth rate of olive flounder and its immune response to pathogenic bacteria. First, the experimental fish were divided into four groups: the control group was fed the diet containing only 1.0% Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), group I was fed 1.0% L. plantarum and 1.0% E. cava (EC), group II was fed 1.0% L. plantarum and 0.1% ethanol extract of EC (EE), and group III was fed 1.0% L. plantarum and 0.5% EE. The diets fed to the fish twice a day for 16 weeks. The results indicated that supplementation with 1.0% EC and 0.1% EE improved the growth and body weight of olive flounder, and decreased its mortality. This diet, however, did not significantly affect the biochemical profiles of the experimental flounder. The supplementation of 1.0% EC also enhanced the innate immune response of the fish, as evidenced by the high respiratory burst, and increased serum lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity. The addition of 1.0% EC and either 0.1% or 0.5% EE also decreased the accumulative mortality of olive flounder infected by pathogenic bacteria (Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus iniae, and Vibrio harveyi). Overall, these results suggest that E. cava can act as a prebiotic by improving the innate immune response in fish infected with pathogenic bacteria as increased the growth of the probiotic.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Edwardsiella tarda; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Fish Diseases; Flounder; Lactobacillus plantarum; Muramidase; Peroxidase; Phaeophyceae; Prebiotics; Respiratory Burst; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus iniae; Vibrio; Vibrio Infections

The antimicrobial substances in saliva contribute to the maintenance of both oral health and overall health of the body. Therefore, the associations among immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates in the saliva of children, and their relationships with the physical attributes and lifestyle factors of children, were examined.. Saliva was collected from 90 children who visited the Kanagawa Dental University Hospital Pediatric Dentistry, and questionnaires were completed by guardians. IgA, lactoferrin and lysozyme concentrations were measured in the saliva samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).. The IgA flow rate in saliva increased as age, height and weight increased. A correlation was found between lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates. When the antimicrobial substance flow rates in the saliva were divided into two groups of 22 children each based on the highest and lowest quartiles, children with either a low or high IgA flow rate also had a high or low lactoferrin flow rate, respectively. The same pattern was observed for lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates.. There is a high probability that the IgA flow rate in the saliva of children reflects and corresponds to the developmental status of immune function as the child ages and increases in height and weight. The flow rates of lactoferrin and lysozyme were correlated in children. In addition, regarding lifestyle factors, the duration of sleep and lactoferrin flow rate were also related.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Anti-Infective Agents; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactoferrin; Life Style; Male; Muramidase; Oral Health; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Sleep

Channel catfish raised in the southern United States require two growing seasons to reach market size. Growing seasons are separated by a cool period of about 3 months when feed intake and growth are greatly reduced. A cool-weather feeding strategy to improve feed intake, growth or health of catfish might improve survival and reduce the time needed to achieve market size. We conducted a feeding trial with channel catfish at a suboptimal temperature (15°C) to determine the effects of supplementing diets with either a dairy/yeast prebiotic or flaxseed oil (high in 18:3n-3) compared with a control with soybean oil (high in 18:2n-6). The trial was conducted in recirculating systems with 1140-l tanks containing 100 fish each (mean initial weight 61.4 g±0.43 s.e.m.). A 28%-protein basal diet was supplemented with 20 g/kg cellulose and 20 g/kg soybean oil (SBO, control), 20 g/kg cellulose and 20 g/kg flaxseed oil (FLAX) or 20 g/kg of a dairy/yeast prebiotic and 20 g/kg soybean oil (PREB). Fish were fed once daily to satiation and weighed every 3 weeks to track growth. Hematology, non-specific immune responses, proximate and fatty acid composition of muscle were determined to assess diet effects. Catfish-fed FLAX or PREB had higher weight gain, feed consumption and lysozyme activity than fish fed SBO. Total n-3 fatty acids in muscle were higher in fish fed SBO or FLAX than those fed PREB. Total n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated acids were higher in muscle of fish fed PREB than those fed SBO. Fatty acids in the PREB and SBO diets were similar, so the PREB appeared to increase elongation and desaturation of n-6 fatty acids in muscle. Flaxseed oil and the dairy/yeast prebiotic both have potential to increase catfish performance at a low temperature.

Topics: Animals; Aquaculture; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids; Ictaluridae; Linseed Oil; Muramidase; Muscle, Skeletal; Prebiotics; Soybean Oil; Temperature

In birds, spectrum of egg white proteins deposited into the egg during its formation are thought to be essential maternal effects. Particularly, egg white lysozyme (LSM), exhibiting great between and within species variability, is considered to be essential for developing avian embryos due to its physiological, antimicrobial, and innate immune defense functions. However, there have been few studies investigating effects of LSM on early post-hatching phenotype, despite its broad physiological and protective role during embryogenesis. Here, we test how experimentally increased concentrations of egg white LSM affect hatchability in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and chick phenotype immediately after hatching (particularly body weight, tarsus length, plasma LSM concentration, and plasma complement activity). Chicks from eggs with increased LSM concentration displayed reduced tarsus length compared to chicks from control eggs while hatchability, body weight and plasma LSM concentration were unaffected. It is worth noting that no effect of increased in ovo lysozyme on eggs hatchability could be related to pathogen-free environment during artificial incubation of experimental eggs causing minimal pressure on embryo viability. While tangible in vivo mechanisms during avian embryogenesis remain to be tested, our study is the first to document experimentally that egg white LSM appears to have growth-regulation role during embryo development, with possible underlying phenotypic consequences in the early post-hatching period in precocial birds.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Complement System Proteins; Coturnix; Egg White; Embryonic Development; Muramidase; Ovum; Phenotype; Tarsus, Animal

To explore the effect of low-dose Cryptocaryon irritans infection on growth, feeding and antiparasitic immunity of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), this study utilized C. irritans at concentrations of 5500 theronts/fish (Group I, 1/10 of 96 h LC50) or 11,000 theronts/fish (Group II) to infect E. coioides weighing 38 g on average at week 0, 2 and 4, respectively. Food consumption was recorded daily; the fish were weighed weekly; serum immobilizing titer (SIT), and acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LZM) activity were recorded every 2 weeks; the fish were treated with lethal dose (70,000 theronts/fish) of C. irritans in the 8th week and death number were recorded. The result shows that in the 1st week after the first infection, the fish's weight gain (WG), length gain (LG), and specific growth rate (SGR) dropped as parasite dose increased, and WG, SGR values were negative; while, after the 2nd and the 3rd infection, no significant differences were detected among the three groups. These results indicated that the 1st infection affected the fish most, while the following infections were protected by some immunity. In the 3rd, 7th, and 8th week, condition factor (CF) increased with the increased infectious dose, indicating that the parasite affected body length more than body weight. As the experiment went on, accumulated food consumption (AFC) of all three groups steadily grew (control > Group I > Group II). But on the 2nd day after the first infection, daily food consumption (DFC) of Group I and II significantly dropped, the decline of Group II was greater than that of Group I, DFC recovered in the following week, with Group I earlier than Group II. After the 2nd infection, DFC of Group I and II dropped again, Group II still dropped more than Group I, and both groups recovered on the 3rd day after infection. The 3rd infection caused no significant difference in week food consumption (WFC). These results indicated that a higher dose of infection causes a greater drop in FC and a slower recovery. Weekly feed conversion ratio (WFCR) values of Group I and II in the 1st week was negative; in the 2nd week, WFCR was lower in the group infected by a higher dose of parasite; while in the 3rd and following weeks, no significant pattern was observed. Accumulate feed conversion ratio (AFCR) dropped as the infectious dose increased (control > Group I > Group II), AFCR of Group I and II reached above 0 i

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Body Weight; Ciliophora Infections; Eating; Fish Diseases; Hymenostomatida; Muramidase; Perciformes; Superoxide Dismutase

Lysozyme is a 1,4-β-N-acetylmuramidase that has antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of lysozyme and antibiotics on growth performance and immune response during an indirect immune challenge. Two replicates of 600 pigs each were weaned from the sow at 26 d of age, blocked by litter and sex, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 24 pens in either a nursery room that had been fully disinfected or a nursery room left unclean since the previous group of pigs. Within a room, pigs were randomly assigned to either control diets (2 phase nursery regime), control diets + antibiotics (chlortetracycline/tiamulin hydrogen fumarate), or control diets + lysozyme (100 mg/kg diet). Pig weights and feed disappearance were measured and blood was collected on d 0, 14, and 28 of treatment. A group of 20 pigs were killed at 24 d of age for initial body composition analysis and 10 pigs of median weight were killed per diet room combination for body composition analysis after 28 d of treatment. Control + antibiotics and control + lysozyme-fed pigs grew at a faster rate for the 28-d study compared to control pigs (318 ± 14,320 ± 15 vs. 288 ± 15 g/d, respectively; P < 0.05), regardless of nursery environment (P > 0.05). The indirect immune challenge did not alter growth performance from d 0 to 14 of treatment but decreased ADG from d 14 to 28 of the study (415 ± 15 vs. 445 ± 13 g/d ;: P < 0.05). Feed intake was not altered by the nursery environment (P > 0.61) or dietary treatments (P > 0.10), but feed efficiency was worsened by the indirect immune challenge (P < 0.05) and improved by both control + antibiotics and control + lysozyme diets (P < 0.01). The immune challenge did not alter nutrient accretion (P > 0.25), but both control + antibiotics and control + lysozyme pigs had decreased accretion of whole-body lipid (P < 0.01) and increased accretion of protein (P < 0.09). Blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; P < 0.01), haptoglobin (P < 0.09), and C-reactive protein (CRP; P < 0.01) were higher due to the indirect immune challenge compared to pigs reared in the clean nursery (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs consuming antibiotics or lysozyme had lower TNF-α, haptoglobin, and CRP compared to control pigs, regardless of nursery environment (P < 0.04). Thus, lysozyme is a suitable alternative to antibiotics in swine nursery diets, and lysozyme ameliorates the effects of a chronic indirect immune challenge.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Body Composition; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Escherichia coli; Female; Immunity, Innate; Male; Muramidase; Swine; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The present study was designed to investigate the immunotoxicity of atrazine (ATZ) in male Balb/c mice. ATZ (175, 87.5, and 43.75 mg/kg bw/day) was administered by gavage method for 28 days. The following indexes were determined in various groups of mice: body and organ weight; antibody aggregation of serum hemolysin; proliferative response of splenocytes to ConA; delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH); natural killer cell activity; clearance of neutral red and nitric oxide (NO) release from peritoneal macrophages; apostosis and necrosis of splenocytes and thymocytes; cytokine production; and serum lysozyme. Results showed that cell-mediated, humoral immunity, and non-specific immune function in the high-dose ATZ group were suppressed; NO release and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) were also significantly decreased in the high-dose group. In the medium-dose group, the proliferation response and IFN-γ production was significantly decreased. In the low-dose group, the proliferation response was significantly decreased. Serum lysozyme was decreased in the ATZ-treated groups. The percentage of early apoptosis in thymocytes was increased significantly in high- and medium-dose ATZ groups. In conclusion, ATZ elicited an inhibitory effect on cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and non-specific immune function of mice.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Atrazine; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Herbicides; Immunity, Humoral; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Muramidase; Necrosis; Organ Size; Spleen; Thymocytes; Toxicity Tests, Acute

Growth, weight at birth and daily weight gain (DWG) on 12 water buffalo calves, starting from 6 days of age until completion of weaning, was investigated in this study. Different feeding regimens were given to two groups of animals with regard to daily milk replacer: (1) group 1 (G1) received a double concentration in single administration; whereas (2) group 2 (G2) received the same amount of milk replacer split twice daily. Blood samples were collected from each calf on days 6, 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate acute phase proteins (haptoglobin), bactericide activity, lysozime, total protein content and biochemical parameters. No differences were observed between the two groups in terms of dry matter intake, feed efficiency and live body weight at the end of the study. Interestingly, a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced DWG was observed earlier in G1 (day 45) than in G2 (day 60). Gastrointestinal disorders were not recorded throughout the experimental period, and no significant differences were recorded between the two groups for all considered parameters. This study confirms the possibility of utilising one daily administration of milk replacer in water buffalo calf during weaning. This new approach facilitates calves management, without interfering with calves growing performances.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Suckling; Body Weight; Buffaloes; Eating; Feces; Female; Haptoglobins; Italy; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Milk; Muramidase

The study evaluated the effects of dietary doses of Lactobacillus plantarum VSG3 on the growth performance, immunity, and disease resistance of Labeo rohita juveniles against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fish (mean body weight 60 g) were fed with diet containing 0 (control), 10(6), 10(8), 10(10) cfu g(-1)L. plantarum VSG3 for 60 days. Various growth and immune parameters were examined at 30 and 60 days of post-feeding. Fish were challenged with A. hydrophila 60 days post-feeding and mortalities were recorded over 10 days post-infection. Results showed that administration of VSG3 for 60 days had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the specific growth rate (SGR) and feed utilization efficiency of L. rohita. Dietary administration of L. plantarum VSG3 significantly increased the serum lysozyme and alternative complement pathway (ACP) activities, phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity in L. rohita throughout the experimental period. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.05) was observed in the fish group fed diet containing VSG3 at 10(8) cfu g(-1). The serum IgM levels were significantly higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group after 30 days of feeding; but, the result was opposite after 60 days of feeding. Further, fish fed the diet containing 10(8) cfu g(-1)L. plantarum VSG3 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) post-challenge survival rate (77.7%). These results collectively suggest that dietary supplementation of L. plantarum VSG3 at 10(8) cfu g(-1) to L. rohita is optimal for enhancing the growth, immunity, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Body Weight; Complement Pathway, Alternative; Cyprinidae; Disease Resistance; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Immunoglobulin M; Lactobacillus plantarum; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Probiotics; Respiratory Burst; Superoxide Dismutase

Theory predicts that inbreeding depression should be more pronounced under environmental stress due to an increase in the expression of recessive deleterious alleles. If so, inbred populations may be especially vulnerable to environmental change. Against this background, we here investigate effects of inbreeding, temperature stress and its interactions with inbreeding in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. We use a full-factorial design with three levels of inbreeding (F = 0/0.25/0.38) and three temperature treatments (2 h exposure to 1, 27 or 39 °C). Despite using relatively low levels of inbreeding significant inbreeding depression was found in pupal mass, pupal time, thorax mass, abdomen fat content, egg hatching success and fecundity. However, stress resistance traits (heat tolerance, immune function) were not affected by inbreeding and interactions with temperature treatments were virtually absent. We thus found no support for an increased sensitivity of inbred individuals to environmental stress, and suspect that such patterns are restricted to harsher conditions. Our temperature treatments evidently imposed stress, significantly reducing longevity, fecundity, egg hatching success and haemocyte numbers, while fat content, protein content and lysozyme activity remained unaffected. Males and females differed in all traits measured except pupal time, protein content and phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Correlation analyses revealed, among others, a trade-off between PO and lysozyme activity, and negative correlations between fat content and several other traits. We stress that more data are needed on the effects of inbreeding, temperature variation and sexual differences on insect immune function before more general conclusions can be drawn.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Butterflies; Fats; Female; Fertility; Hemocytes; Inbreeding; Life Cycle Stages; Longevity; Male; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Muramidase; Ovum; Reproduction; Stress, Physiological; Temperature; Thorax; Time Factors

Although caloric restriction (CR) apparently has beneficial effects on the immune system, its effects on the immunological function of the intestinal mucosa are little known. The present study explored the effect of CR on the innate and adaptive intestinal immunity of mice. Balb/c mice were either fed ad libitum (control) or on alternate days fed ad libitum and fasted (caloric restriction). After 4 months, an evaluation was made of IgA levels in the ileum, the gene expression for IgA and its receptor (pIgR), as well as the expression of two antimicrobial enzymes (lysozyme and phospholipase A2) and several cytokines of the intestinal mucosa. CR increased the gene expression of lysozyme and phospholipase A2. The levels of IgA were diminished in the ileum, which apparently was a consequence of the reduced transport of IgA by pIgR. In ileum, CR increased the gene expression for most cytokines, both pro- and anti-inflammatory. Hence, CR differentially modified the expression of innate and adaptive immunity mediators in the intestine.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Body Weight; Caloric Restriction; Corticosterone; Cytokines; Duodenum; Gene Expression Profiling; Ileum; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin alpha-Chains; Immunoglobulin J-Chains; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Muramidase; Norepinephrine; Phospholipases A2; Receptors, Fc; Transcription, Genetic

A short fasting-refeeding experience was applied to specimens of red porgy, Pagrus pagrus (Teleostei, Sparidae) to assess its effects on some physiological parameters. Haematological (haematocrit), biochemical (serum cortisol and glucose) and immunological (lysozyme, haemolytic and haemagglutinating activities) parameters were measured. For this study, two fish groups were considered: one was fasted for 14 days and then refed to satiation during further 7 and 15 days (indicated as fasted/refed group), the other was fed throughout the study and was taken as a control group. Significantly lower values were recorded for the condition index, the hepato-somatic index and viscero-somatic index in the fasted/refed group compared to the fed one. Fasting did not affect significantly the examined parameters, except for cortisol; refeeding for 7 days induced a significant increase in the haemoagglutinating titre and the spontaneous haemolytic activity, but when refeeding was extended to 14 days haemagglutinating and haemolytic values remained lower than those measured in fed fish.

Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Body Size; Body Weight; Fasting; Feeding Behavior; Hemagglutination; Hematocrit; Hemolysis; Hydrocortisone; Muramidase; Perciformes

Climate change models predict increased ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation levels due to stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming. In order to study the impact of these two environmental stressors acting simultaneously on the physiology of fish, Atlantic salmon parr were exposed, for 8 weeks in outdoor tanks, to different combinations of UVB radiation (depleted and enhanced) and temperature (standard rearing temperature of 14 °C or 19 °C). The immune function (plasma IgM, lysozyme activity and complement bacteriolytic activity), growth (body weight) and physiological condition (haematocrit and plasma protein concentration) of the fish were determined. Increased UVB level, regardless of water temperature, had a negative effect on immune function parameters, growth and physiological condition. Higher temperature increased plasma IgM concentration but had a negative effect on complement bacteriolytic activity under both spectral treatments. Increased temperature, irrespective of UVB level, increased fish growth but negatively affected haematocrit and plasma protein. Exposing the fish to enhanced UVB at elevated temperature increased plasma IgM concentration and slightly improved growth. However, complement activity and physiological condition parameters decreased more than when the fish were exposed to each stressor separately. The changes were mainly additive; no interactive or synergistic effects were observed. The negative impact of multiple stressors on immune function, together with predicted increases in pathogen load in warmer waters resulting from global climate change, suggest an increased risk to diseases in fishes.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Climate Change; Complement System Proteins; Hot Temperature; Immunoglobulin M; Muramidase; Salmo salar; Ultraviolet Rays

To date, published in-vivo studies on the action of the PACAP in fish are few and these are concerned with reproduction, brain development and feeding behavior. Recently, we demonstrated for the first time that PACAP, apart from its neuroendocrine role, influences immune functions in fish larvae. In this work, we have evaluated the effects of recombinant Clarias gariepinus PACAP administration by intraperitoneal injection on important immune parameters in juvenile fish. We observed that a single injection of the recombinant peptide (0.1 microg per g of body weight) was able to increase the nitric oxide synthase-derived metabolites (NOS) and total immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration in serum of juvenile catfish C. gariepinus and tilapia Orechromis niloticus respectively, after 24 h of its administration. In addition, our results showed that recombinant PACAP increases IgM, NOS and lysozyme in serum correlated with its ability to enhance growth performance in juvenile fish. Finally, the PACAP mRNA expression and PACAP immunoreactivity detected in peripheral blood leucocytes from juvenile catfish suggest a direct autocrine or/and paracrine mechanism of regulation of this peptide to mediate immune functions in fish.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Catfishes; Cichlids; Gene Expression Regulation; Growth; Immune System; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin M; Leukocytes; Lymphoid Tissue; Muramidase; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Recombinant Proteins

The percent weight gain (PWG) and feeding efficiency (FE) of Epinephelus coioides were calculated. The survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae P13 in the posterior intestines using a specific primer pair of YMR245w-F/YMR245w-R, non-specific immune parameters of grouper, and its susceptibility to Streptococcus sp. and an iridovirus were determined when the fish were fed diets containing S. cerevisiae at 0 (control), 10(3), 10(5), or 10(7) colony-forming units (cfu) kg(-1) for 4 weeks. Results showed that grouper fed a diet containing S. cerevisiae at the levels of 10(3), 10(5), and 10(7) cfu kg(-1) had significantly increased PGW and FE especially in the 10(7) cfu kg(-1) group which were 211.6% and 1.2, respectively. S. cerevisiae was able to survive in the fish posterior intestines during the S. cerevisiae feeding period. Fish fed a diet containing S. cerevisiae at 10(7) cfu kg(-1) had significantly higher survival rates than those fed the 10(3) cfu kg(-1)S. cerevisiae diet and the control diet after challenge with Streptococcus sp. and an iridovirus, with increased survival rates of 26.6% and 36.6%, respectively, compared to the challenge control group. The phagocytic activity, respiratory burst and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of head kidney leucocytes as well as serum lysozyme activity and serum alternative complement activity (ACH(50)) of fish fed diets containing S. cerevisiae at 10(5) and 10(7) cfu kg(-1) were significantly higher than those of fish fed the 10(3) cfu kg(-1)S. cerevisiae-contained diet and the control diets after 4 weeks of feeding, and had increased by 20% and 20%, 27.6% and 19.7%, 30.5% and 36.2%, 205.8% and 169.6%, and 90.8% and 80.3%, respectively, compared to the control group. We therefore recommend dietary S. cerevisiae administration of 10(5) and 10(7) cfu kg(-1) to E. coioides to promote growth and enhance immunity and resistance against Streptococcus sp. and an iridovirus especially in the 10(7) cfu kg(-1) group.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Complement Pathway, Alternative; Fish Diseases; Immunity, Innate; Muramidase; Perciformes; Phagocytosis; Probiotics; Respiratory Burst; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus; Superoxide Dismutase

Several insect species show an increase in cuticular melanism in response to high densities. In some species, there is evidence that this melanism is correlated with an up-regulation of certain immune system components, particularly phenoloxidase (PO) activity, and with the down-regulation of lysozyme activity, suggesting a trade-off between the two traits. As melanism has a genetic component, we selected both melanic and nonmelanic lines of the phase-polyphenic lepidopteran, Spodoptera littoralis, in order to test for a causative genetic link between melanism, PO activity and lysozyme activity, and to establish if there are any life-history costs associated with the melanic response. We found that, in fact, melanic lines had lower PO activity and higher lysozyme activity than nonmelanic lines, confirming a genetic trade-off between the two immune responses, but also indicating a genetic trade-off between melanism and PO activity. In addition, we found that lines with high PO activity had slower development rates suggesting that investment in PO, rather than in melanism, is costly.

Topics: Animals; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Hemolymph; Life Cycle Stages; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Muramidase; Pigmentation; Selection, Genetic; Spodoptera

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in developed countries and is related to chronic hyperglycaemia. The increased production and tissue deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGE) are known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney damage. This study was undertaken to determine if lysozyme (LZ), microencapsulated in orally administrable chitosan-coated alginate microspheres (MS), is effective against the early changes seen in the initial stages of diabetic nephropathy.. LZ-containing MS (MSLZ) and an equivalent dose (equidose) of nonencapsulated LZ were given as oral treatments. LZ was administered to Wistar rats for seven weeks after diabetes induction with streptozotocin.. The results showed that microencapsulated LZ treatment significantly reduced the concentration of serum AGE in the circulation and their deposition in the kidneys. Likewise, MSLZ significantly prevented the development of microalbuminuria compared with untreated diabetic rats. Furthermore, MSLZ significantly prevented the development of glomerular and renal hypertrophy as well as overexpression of AGE receptors (RAGE). An equidose of free LZ had little or no effect whatsoever.. Our study supports a relationship between serum AGE and nephropathy in diabetes, and suggests that orally administered microencapsulated LZ can exert kidney-protective activity in a diabetic animal model.

Topics: Albuminuria; Animals; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Capsules; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Glycosuria; Muramidase; Rats; Rats, Wistar

It is well established that seasonality dominates the life history of fish by controlling the timing of physiological events such as reproduction, food intake, locomotor activity and growth performance. Seasonal differences in immune competence and prevalence of disease have been well documented in humans. The aim of this study was to determine if season influences the immune response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss L.). Thus, a 12-month trial was carried out in which plasma lysozyme activity and respiratory burst of head kidney macrophages (two innate immune parameters) and total red and white blood cell counts (two haematological parameters) were monitored at monthly intervals. Since photoperiodic information is thought to be conveyed via melatonin secretion, plasma melatonin levels were also measured at four seasonal points (day and night). A general seasonal influence was observed in the parameters measured in these fish, with the exception of respiratory burst activity of head kidney macrophages, with the parameters highest in summer and lowest in winter for total white blood cell counts and lysozyme activity.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Circadian Rhythm; Erythrocyte Count; Female; Immunity, Innate; Leukocyte Count; Melatonin; Muramidase; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Respiratory Burst; Seasons

Marine low-temperature lysozyme is purified from a marine bacterium. The lysozyme can keep high activity at low-temperature and has broad-spectrum antibiotic reaction. This study was undertaken to investigate the major characteristics, acute and subchronic toxicity of marine low-temperature lysozyme. The relative molecular weight of this lysozyme was determined as approximate 16 kD; its optimum pH value and temperature towards Micrococcus lysodleikticus were pH 6.5 and 35 degrees C, respectively. The lysozyme activity was slightly enhanced by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) and slightly inhibited by Mn(2+) and Ag(+). The lysozyme showed good compatibility to many common chemical agents such as EDTA (0.1%), KH(2)PO(4) (1.0%), etc. In experiments on acute toxicity, the drug was injected through the tail vein of mice, and intoxication symptoms and date of death were recorded. The 50% lethal dose (LD(50)) of Marine low-temperature lysozyme and 95%, 99% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The subchronic study was designed to determine whether effects progressed with repeated Marine low-temperature lysozyme exposure. Wistar rats were tested by daily intragastric administration of Marine low-temperature lysozyme at the doses of 1.0; 0.5; 0.25 g/kg bw for 90 days. The LD(50) value of lysozyme was 4530 mg/kg bw; 90 days of Marine low-temperature lysozyme treatment at three doses, and there is no significant difference on blood biochemistry and organ index in drug treatment groups compared to saline treatment group. There is no affirmative pathologic change of all the observed organs in this study. The present results suggest that Marine low-temperature lysozyme can be safely used at the dose of experiment applied.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Body Weight; Cold Temperature; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Eating; Female; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Metals; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Muramidase; Rats; Rats, Wistar

We determined the changes in hemocyte titer and in the abundance of hemocyte types of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta during the fourth and fifth larval stadium and the beginning of the pupal stadium. As we analyzed the samples of individual insects at daily intervals, we were able to correlate phenotypical features, body weight, as well as total protein content and lysozyme activity in the hemolymph with the observations on hemocytes. In the course of the fifth larval stadium, the hemocyte titer decreased slightly and declined further after pupation. Using calculated values for total hemocyte numbers, females had about five times and males three times more hemocytes in the circulating population at the beginning of the wandering stage (in the middle of the fifth larval stadium) than immediately after the last larval--larval molt (from the fourth to the fifth larval stadium). This sexual difference was mainly due to an increase in the number of plasmatocytes, which was more prominent in females than in males. Granular cells were dominant in early fifth larval stadium while plasmatocytes were the most abundant cells in pupae. Oenocytoids and spherule cells disappeared during the wandering stage. Lysozyme activity in the hemolymph rose to a maximum during the wandering stage, with females having lysozyme values twice as high as those for males. These changes in lysozyme activity, however, did not correlate with the increase of total hemolymph protein titer which occurred already at the beginning of the wandering stage. We postulate that changes in hemocyte titers are under direct hormonal control, which has to be proven in future experiments.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Cell Count; Female; Hemocytes; Hemolymph; Larva; Male; Manduca; Muramidase; Sex Factors; Time Factors

Pichia pastoris cells transformed with a plasmid engineered for the expression of tilapia growth hormone as a secreted product produced a proteolytically cleaved form of the recombinant protein. The sequence of this truncated variant was obtained by mass spectrometry analysis. The cleavage site was determined to be between residues Tyr 158 and Tyr 159. The resulting truncated tilapia growth hormone was a single chain protein lacking 46 amino acids of the C-terminal portion. In this study, we showed that the truncated growth hormone produced in the P. pastoris culture supernatant has growth promoting effects and stimulates innate immune parameters (lysozyme and lectins) in tilapia larvae. These results suggest that the C-terminal portion of growth hormone is not required for its growth promoting activity and the innate immune functions studied herein in fish. In addition, we found that the culture supernatant containing truncated tilapia growth hormone has a stronger effect over growth and immune system than cells lysate containing intact tilapia growth hormone expressed in P. pastoris.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fish Proteins; Growth Hormone; Hemagglutinins; Immunity, Innate; Molecular Sequence Data; Muramidase; Pichia; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Tilapia

A 60 days experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary gelatinized (G) and non-gelatinized (NG) starch on immunomodulation of Labeo rohita juveniles. Two hundred and thirty four juveniles (av. wt. 2.53+/-0.04) were randomly distributed in six treatment groups with each of three replicates. Six semi-purified diets containing NG and G corn starch, each at six levels of inclusion (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100) were prepared viz., T(1) (100% NG, 0% G starch), T(2) (80% NG, 20% G starch), T(3) (60% NG, 40% G starch), T(4) (40% NG, 60% G starch), T(5) (20% NG, 80% G starch) and T(6) (0% NG, 100% G starch). After a feeding period of 60 days, the juveniles were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila to study their immunomodulation due to feeding of G and NG starch. RBC and haemoglobin content were significantly (P<0.05) reduced due to bacterial challenge, but dietary starch (G/NG starch) had no effect on it. G:NG starch ratio in the feed had significant effect on total leukocyte count during pre- and post-challenge periods. The leukocyte count concomitantly increased with the increased level of G starch in the diet. Highest albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was recorded in T6 group (100% G starch) and lowest in T1 group (100% NG starch) group followed by T2 group both in pre- and post-challenge periods. NBT, lysozyme activity, total protein and globulin content were highest in T2 group (80% NG, 20% G starch) both in pre- and post-challenge periods. After challenge with A. hydrophila, the highest survival was recorded in T2 group, whereas lowest survival was recorded in T6 group. Conclusively high level of G starch was found to be immunosuppressive in Labeo rohita juveniles and NG:G starch ratio of 80:20 seems to be optimum for promoting growth and protecting immunity in L. rohita juveniles.

Topics: Aeromonas hydrophila; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Carps; Cholesterol; Dietary Carbohydrates; Fish Diseases; Gelatin; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Hemoglobins; Immunologic Factors; Muramidase; Random Allocation; Respiratory Burst; Starch; Survival Analysis; Triglycerides

Lysozyme is a key antimicrobial component of human milk that has several health-promoting functions including the development of a healthy intestinal tract. However, levels of lysozyme in the milk of dairy animals are negligible. We have generated transgenic dairy goats that express human lysozyme (HLZ) in their milk in an attempt to deliver the benefits of human milk in a continual fashion. To test the feasibility of this transgenic approach to achieve a biological impact at the level of the intestine, feeding trials were conducted in two animal models. Pasteurized milk from HLZ transgenic animals was fed to both kid goats (ruminant model) and young pigs (human model), and the numbers of total coliforms and Escherichia coli present in the small intestine were determined. Data from this proof-of-principle study demonstrate that milk from transgenic animals was capable of modulating the bacterial population of the gut in both animal models. Pigs that consumed pasteurized milk from HLZ transgenic goats had fewer numbers of coliforms and E. coli in their intestine than did those receiving milk from non-transgenic control animals. The opposite effect was seen in goats. Milk from these transgenic animals not only represent one of the first transgenic food products with the potential of benefiting human health, but are also a unique model to study the development and role of intestinal microflora on health, well-being and resistance to disease.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Body Weight; Female; Goats; Humans; Intestine, Small; Male; Mammary Glands, Animal; Milk; Milk Proteins; Milk, Human; Muramidase; Swine; Time Factors

Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) is among the most widely disseminated xenobiotics to enter waste streams and the aquatic environment. In the present investigation, we present a novel approach to evaluate in toxicity of LAS. The effects of sublethal levels (0.2 and 0.4 mg/l) of LAS on non-specific immune system, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and lyzosyme activity, and specific growth rate in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, during a 54-day exposure were examined by a static bioassay test procedure. The phagocytic activity of leukocytes from fish exposed to 0.4 mg/l LAS statistically decreased compared with the control fish values. No significant reductions were observed in the extra-intracellular respiratory burst and lysozyme activities after exposure to LAS at any of the concentrations tested. The final body weight in fish groups exposed to the LAS were found to be significantly lower than in the control. The specific growth rate results also supported the result above. The results of this study showed sublethal doses (0.2-0.4 mg/l) of LAS caused to statistically insignificant suppression of non-specific immune system mechanisms excluding phagocytosis in fish at laboratory conditions. These doses of LAS may produce potential synergism on immune system when presented with other environmental pollutants.

Topics: Alkanesulfonic Acids; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Body Weight; Immunity, Innate; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Phagocytosis; Respiratory Burst; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Theory predicts that natural selection will erode additive genetic variation in fitness-related traits. However, numerous studies have found considerable heritable variation in traits related to immune function, which should be closely linked to fitness. This could be due to trade-offs maintaining variation in these traits. We used the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, as a model system to examine the quantitative genetics of insect immune function. We estimated the heritabilities of several different measures of innate immunity and the genetic correlations between these immune traits and a number of life history traits. Our results provide the first evidence for a potential genetic trade-off within the insect immune system, with antibacterial activity (lysozyme-like) exhibiting a significant negative genetic correlation with haemocyte density, which itself is positively genetically correlated with both haemolymph phenoloxidase activity and cuticular melanization. We speculate on a potential trade-off between defence against parasites and predators, mediated by larval colour, and its role in maintaining genetic variation in traits under natural selection.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Genetic Variation; Larva; Likelihood Functions; Longevity; Melanins; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Muramidase; Population Density; Quantitative Trait, Heritable; Selection, Genetic; Spodoptera

The influence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation from Astragalus Root (Radix astragalin seu Hedysari) and Chinese Angelica Root (R. Angelicae Sinensis) at a ratio of 5:1 (w/w) on non-specific immunity of Jian carp, Cyprinus carpio var. Jian was investigated. The number of NBT-positive cells in the blood and lysozyme and complement activities in the serum of Carp fed with commercial feed supplemented with 1.0% (diet 1) and 1.5% (diet 2) TCM at 10 day of post-feeding were not different from those of the control group fed with feed unsupplemented TCM 10 days post-feeding (P>0.05), but at 20 and 30 days they increased significantly (P<0.05). The values of diet 1 group and diet 2 group at 20 day and at 30 day were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other. In addition, the TCM formula increased body weight of experimental fish by about 16.84% (diet 1) and 19% (diet 2) above that of the control group. Therefore, these data suggest that the TCM formula could elevate the function of non-specific immunity of Jian carp. The optimal dosage added to commercial carp feed was 1.0% (w/w) and the oral administration time as a course of treatment was 20 days.

Topics: Angelica sinensis; Animals; Astragalus propinquus; Body Weight; Carps; Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Immunity, Innate; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Muramidase; Nitroblue Tetrazolium

(1) Two hundred and twenty-seven adult turkeys of both sexes, of two varieties (104 Black and 123 White) were used to evaluate their immunocompetence status and body weights. (2) Response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (humoral immunity) was measured by Haemagglutination (HA) test 5 days post immunisation (dpi) and expressed as log2 values. Mercaptoethanol resistant (MER) antibodies representing IgG were determined by Mercaptoethanol HA test and Mercaptoethanol sensitive (MES) antibodies, representing IgM as the difference in total HA titre and IgG. Serum lysozyme concentrations were estimated by 'Lysoplate assay' and expressed in log2 values. (3) Least squares analysis of variance revealed that the White variety had higher adult body weight (4.788 +/- 0.040 kg) than the Black (3.774 +/- 0.044 kg). Sexual dimorphism was apparent and meals were heavier than females in both varieties. The interaction effect of variety and sex on body weight was also significant. (4) Least squares means for immunological traits, namely, total anti-SRBC antibodies, MER, MES titres and serum lysozyme were 7.161 +/- 0.189, 0.801 +/- 0.071, 6.362 +/- 0.160 and 1.766 +/- 0.043 microg/ml, respectively. The Black variety had a higher MES antibody titre than the White. (5) Sex had an effect on all the immunological traits except on MER titres. Females generally had higher anti-SRBC, MER and MES titres and serum lysozyme. The variety x sex interaction effect was significant for MES titres and serum lysozyme. White males had the lowest MES titres.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Body Weight; Erythrocytes; Female; Immunocompetence; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; India; Male; Mercaptoethanol; Muramidase; Sex Characteristics; Sheep; Species Specificity; Turkeys

Low phosphorous (P) feeds in aquaculture are recommended to reduce eutrophication of water systems. However, the feed should be adequate for normal growth and intact immune defence. Influence of low dietary P supply on non-specific and specific immune defence of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) was studied in two trials. For Trial 1, a semi-purified, low-P diet was formulated and supplied with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 g P kg(-1)to obtain a P gradient of 4.4-14.9 g kg(-1)diet. Diets were fed to four replicate groups of fingerling whitefish for 42 days in a flow-through, freshwater system maintained at 15 degrees C. Fish fed with the P-unsupplemented diet had significantly lower plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels than fish fed with the P-fortified diets (means 2.53 vs. 3.19 mg ml(-1); P=0.047). Plasma lysozyme activity did not differ between fish fed with the P-unsupplemented diet and fish fed with the P-fortified diets (means 21.8 vs. 25.5 U ml(-1); P=0.107). For Trial 2, fish were acclimated for 49 days by feeding the lowest or highest dietary P contents, and thereafter immunised with a single intraperitoneal injection of a novel antigen, bovine gamma globulin (BGG). A clear antibody response against BGG was elicited but the antibody levels did not differ between fish fed low-P or high-P contents. Similar to Trial 1, plasma IgM was lower in fish fed low-P diets, and low-P diet did not influence plasma lysozyme activity. In both trials the growth of fish, having received low-P diet, was significantly lowered. It is concluded that P deficiency has only minor effects on the immune parameters in whitefish, and the practical aquafeed with P contents sufficient for normal growth does not compromise immune functions of this species.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Aquaculture; Body Weight; Europe; gamma-Globulins; Immunoglobulin M; Muramidase; Phosphorus, Dietary; Salmonidae

Although the use of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) has been discouraged for the production of polyclonal antibodies, little clinical evidence supports the belief that FCA necessarily affects the well-being of immunized rabbits. We designed the present study to determine whether immunization at multiple sites with small volumes of Freund's adjuvant affects rabbit well-being. We injected 18 female New Zealand White rabbits (six animals per group) with antigen in FCA, Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant, or physiologic saline in the following volumes and routes: 0.02 to 0.03 mL intradermally in each of 30 to 40 sites and 0.1 mL subcutaneously in each of two sites. The body weight, temperature, complete blood count, and behavior of the rabbits in the home cage, upon handling, and in an open field did not differ significantly among the immunization groups during the 7-week assessment period. Only the degree of induration around injection sites differed: as expected, FCA induced the greatest response at the injection sites, but the sites were neither ulcerative nor necrotic, nor did palpation of the sites induce any apparent discomfort to the rabbits. We conclude that FCA may be used safely and humanely in rabbits if small volumes are injected intradermally or subcutaneously in multiple sites.

Topics: Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Blood Cell Count; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Female; Freund's Adjuvant; Heat-Shock Proteins; Histocytochemistry; Immunization; Injections, Intradermal; Injections, Subcutaneous; Kidney; Liver; Lung; Muramidase; Rabbits

Obese human subjects have increased protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity in adipose tissue that can dephosphorylate and inactivate the insulin receptor kinase. To extend these findings to skeletal muscle, we measured PTPase activity in the skeletal muscle particulate fraction and cytosol from a series of lean controls, insulin-resistant obese (body mass index > 30) nondiabetic subjects, and obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. PTPase activities in subcellular fractions from the nondiabetic obese subjects were increased to 140-170% of the level in lean controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, PTPase activity in both fractions from the obese subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes was significantly decreased to 39% of the level in controls (P < 0.05). By immunoblot analysis, leukocyte antigen related (LAR) and protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B had the greatest increase (threefold) in the particulate fraction from obese, nondiabetic subjects, and immunodepletion of this fraction using an affinity-purified antibody directed at the cytoplasmic domain of leukocyte antigen related normalized the PTPase activity when compared to the activity from control subjects. These findings provide further support for negative regulation of insulin action by specific PTPases in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in human obesity, while other regulatory mechanisms may be operative in the diabetic state.

Topics: Adult; Body Weight; Cell Fractionation; Chromatography, Gel; Deoxyglucose; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Immunoblotting; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Muscle, Skeletal; Obesity; Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; Phosphorylation; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases; Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 4; Receptor, Insulin; Receptors, Cell Surface; Substrate Specificity

The potential toxicity and carcinogenicity of erythritol, a low-calorie sugar substitute, were examined in Wistar Crl:(WI) WU BR rats. Groups of 50 rats of each sex consumed diets with 0, 2, 5, or 10% erythritol, or 10% mannitol, for a period of 104-107 weeks. To each of these main groups, two satellite groups of 20 males each were attached for interim kills after 52 and 78 weeks of treatment. At start of the study, the rats were 5-6 weeks old. The average intakes of erythritol in the 2, 5, and 10% groups were 0.9, 2.2, and 4.6 g/kg body wt/day for males and 1.0, 2.6, and 5.4 g/kg body wt/day for females, respectively. Mannitol intakes were 4.4 and 5.2 g/kg body wt/day in males and females, respectively. All treatments were well tolerated without diarrhea or other side effects. Body weights were significantly below control levels during most of the study in males of the 5% erythritol group and in males and females of the 10% erythritol and 10% mannitol groups. Survival of the animals was not adversely affected by the treatments. Hematological and clinicochemical examinations did not reveal noticeable changes which could be attributed to treatment. Analysis of urine samples collected during five 48-hr periods, from rats of the satellite groups in Weeks 26, 42, 50, and 78 and from rats of the main groups in Week 102, showed that about 60% of ingested erythritol was excreted unchanged. The urine volumes increased with increasing dietary erythritol levels. In line with previous observations on other polyols, erythritol and mannitol ingestion led to an increased excretion of urinary calcium and citrate. The urinary excretions of sodium, potassium, phosphate, N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), low-molecular-weight protein (LMP), and total protein (TP) were slightly elevated in the 10% erythritol group. Increased GGT and NAG excretions also were seen occasionally at the 5% dose. Significantly increased relative cecum weights were seen in rats of either sex in the 10% mannitol and, somewhat less pronounced, 10% erythritol groups. Some cecal enlargement also was seen in the 5% erythritol group. The relative weight of the kidneys was highest in the 10% erythritol group, the difference from controls reaching statistical significance at interim kills (males) and termination (females). Except for more frequent pelvic nephrocalcinosis in female rats of all erythritol dose groups, the histopathological examinations did not reveal any nonneop

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Body Weight; Carcinogenicity Tests; Carcinogens; Electrolytes; Erythritol; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Kidney; Kidney Tubules; Liver; Male; Mannitol; Muramidase; Organ Size; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sweetening Agents

Eelpout (Zoarces viviparus), a marine fish, were exposed to gamma-radiation at a dose-rate of 2.0 mGy h-1. They were injected with the antigen trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (TNP-KLH) and their specific humoral immune response to the TNP hapten measured. There were no differences in the primary antibody response between unirradiated controls and treated fish. However, the response to a second injection of antigen was significantly increased in irradiated fish. There were no significant radiation effects on total serum protein or serum lysozyme. Radiation effects on testis were also examined and there was a significant radiation-induced reduction in relative weight (gonadosomatic index). These results are discussed with reference to environmental radiation levels in areas of authorized radioactive waste disposal.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Antigens; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Cesium Radioisotopes; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fishes; Gamma Rays; Haptens; Hemocyanins; Muramidase; Reference Values; Time Factors

Effects of SL-probiotic preparation on the body weight and the phagocytic functions in white mice were studied. Bioassay of its toxicity showed SL-P was non-toxic. Body weight of the treated mice increased significantly as compared with that of controls 10 days after treatment with SL-probiotic preparation. Phagocytic activity, acid phosphatase activity, lysozyme activity of the peritoneal macrophages of the tested mice were enhanced significantly as compared with those of normal controls. The same results were obtained with respect to serum lysozyme activity. These observations showed that SL-probiotic preparation could activate macrophage function in mice and hence enhancement of non-specific immunity.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Body Weight; Female; Lactococcus lactis; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Male; Mice; Muramidase; Phagocytosis

The effect of co-administration of acyclovir and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) on nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats was investigated. Animals received acyclovir (15 mg/kg body weight, s.c., three times per day for 5 days) or cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight, i.p., one single injection) or a combination of both drugs. Acyclovir plasma levels were determined after one single acyclovir s.c. injection. Urines were monitored for volume, pH, osmolality and excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), lysozyme and total protein. Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were determined on day 6. Renal cortical slices were monitored to assess the accumulation of weak organic bases (tetraethylammonium) and acids (p-aminohippurate). Cisplatin induced a marked increase in the excretion of NAG, lysozyme and total protein and an increase in urine volume, plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Urine osmolality and accumulation of p-aminohippurate were depressed by cisplatin. Acyclovir treatment alone caused no significant symptoms of nephrotoxicity. Co-administration did not impair renal function more than cisplatin treatment alone, excepting a slight rise in lysozyme excretion on day 6. Short-term antiviral therapy with acyclovir, concomitant to cisplatin treatment, may bring, if at all, a slightly increased nephrotoxic risk.

Topics: Acyclovir; Animals; Body Weight; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Drug Synergism; Kidney; Male; Muramidase; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

The mechanism involved in the decreased numbers of several trans-membrane proteins such as sodium pump sites, sodium-lithium countertransport, sodium potassium cotransport proteins, proteins mediating the passive efflux of sodium and insulin receptors in erythrocytes from patients with hyperthyroidism is not known. The ATP-dependent proteolytic system which is involved in the loss of trans-membrane proteins during the maturation of the reticulocyte may be involved in the accelerated loss of these membrane proteins. Therefore, the effect of thyroid hormones on the ATP-dependent proteolytic activity of reticulocyte lysates was examined in this study. Reticulocytosis was induced in 14 guinea pigs by phenylhydrazine hydrochloride injections for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of rest. T3 (10 micrograms/100 g body weight) was injected into 7 animals on day 4 and day 6. Reticulocyte-rich blood was withdrawn on day 8. Oxygen consumption determined 24 hours after injection of T3 was 25% higher (p less than 0.01) and T3 treated animals had a 2.5 fold higher (p less than 0.01) weight loss than control animals. The ATP-dependent proteolytic activity measured in reticulocyte lysates using 125I labelled lysozyme was 3.6 fold higher in the T3 than in the control group of guinea pigs (p less than 0.01). We conclude that thyroid hormones induce the ATP-dependent proteolytic activity of reticulocyte lysates which may be responsible for the reduced number of several trans-membrane proteins found in erythrocytes from patients with hyperthyroidism.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Membrane Proteins; Muramidase; Oxygen Consumption; Reticulocytes; Triiodothyronine

Fibrogenic effects of amorphous quartz dusts are discussed more and more during recent years. In order to study alterations due to amorphous silica (quartz glass VP 203-006) in comparison with crystalline quartz (DQ-12), an inhalation experiment in rats was carried out. Male Wistar rats were separated in two dust exposed groups (n = 35) and one control group (n = 30). The experiment was carried out in inhalation chambers with a slowly rotating animal cage for 12 months, 7 h per day, and 5 days per week. The dust concentration was 10 mg/m3. After 4 and after 8 months of inhalation, 5 animals of each group were sacrificed. After 12 months 15 rats of the dust exposed groups and 10 controls were euthanized. The remaining animals were kept for another 12 months post-inhalation period. Regarding the macroscopical appearance of the lungs, the relative organ weights and the histomorphological reaction pattern, marked dust depending differences are obvious. In the lungs of DQ-12-exposed animals diffuse structural changes occur, including fibrosis and severe reaction of macrophages. Histology of lungs from quartz glass exposed animals reveals only a slight and focally arranged cellular reaction with a few collagenous fibers. However, in both dust exposed groups the mediastinal lymph nodes are extremely enlarged with severe fibroses. Additionally, the following blood parameters were determined: lysozyme, ACE, GOT, GPT, and AP. The most pronounced changes are detectable in lysozyme and GOT after DQ-12 exposure. After quartz glass exposure, the levels of these parameters are similar to the controls. These results show that the amorphous quartz tested in this experiment (quartz-glass VP 203-006) has to be considered as a compound with certain biological effects. The establishing of occupational standards seems to be justified. But, assessing the effects, the different physical and/or chemical properties of various amorphous quartz dusts have to be considered.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Dust; Heart; Kidney; Liver; Lung; Lymph Nodes; Male; Muramidase; Myocardium; Organ Size; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Quartz; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Silicon Dioxide; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Spleen

Previous studies have shown that the decreased neutrophil migratory responsiveness seen in burned patients correlates with the extent of thermal injury and the extent of the neutrophil-specific granule deficiency. To understand better the relationship between the neutrophil dysfunction, degranulation, and thermal injury, a rabbit model was studied. Eighteen rabbits were burned over 20% of their surface area. Assay of peripheral blood heterophils disclosed decreased migratory activity compared with preburn levels and decreased lysozyme content vs preburn levels, but no change in the beta-glucuronidase content. The specific binding of tritiated formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine to peripheral blood heterophils was increased fivefold over that of control cells. These studies indicate that, following thermal injury, there is a selective decrease of specific granule contents and an increase in chemoattractant binding to the cell and also suggest an abnormality in chemoattractant receptor processing. The rabbit provides a convenient model for the study of compromised host defenses following thermal injury.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Burns; Cell Migration Inhibition; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Disease Models, Animal; Endotoxins; Escherichia coli Infections; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Oligopeptides; Rabbits; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Immunologic; Staphylococcal Infections; Time Factors

During a seven-year study investigations were carried out on school children from areas with varying concentrations of harmful substances. Psychodiagnostic, anthropometric, clinical, haematological and immunological results are presented and evaluated.

Topics: Air Pollution; Attention; Blood Cell Count; Body Height; Body Weight; Bone Development; Child; Complement C3; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Longitudinal Studies; Lung; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Tetanus Antitoxin; Transferrin

Mice fed a semipurified, vitamin A-deficient diet (A- mice) and control animals fed the same diet with added retinyl acetate (A+ mice) were used to investigate the effect of vitamin A deficiency on primary immunoglobulin responses to protein antigens. At age 6 weeks, A- mice had serum retinol concentrations that were 46% of A+ controls. When immunized with a single antigen dose, these mice produced an antigen-specific IgM response equivalent to controls, but their IgG1 and IgG3 responses were sharply diminished (less than 30% of A+ controls). At age 8 weeks, A- mice had 20% of A+ serum retinol concentrations and less than 17% of A+ liver retinyl palmitate levels. Responding to a single antigen dose, A- mice produced approximately equal to 70% as much IgM as A+ controls. Their IgG1 response was less than 30% and their IgG3 response less than 3% of A+ controls. The IgG1 response kinetics were identical in A- and A+ mice. Diminished serum antibody responses in A- mice were attributable to fewer immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells rather than to a decline in IgM or IgG secretion rate per cell. Total serum IgG3 levels, irrespective of antigen specificity, were slightly elevated in A- mice compared to A+ controls. The inefficient clonal expansion of responding B lymphocytes and contrasting impairment of IgM and IgG responses observed in vitamin A-deficient mice are discussed with respect to a possible helper/inducer-T-lymphocyte defect.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Body Weight; Diterpenes; Hemocyanins; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Kinetics; Mice; Muramidase; Retinyl Esters; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

The experiments on rats have shown that preliminary oral administration of vitamin E significantly suppressed generalization, but not development of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Oral vitamin E administration beginning one day after the onset of arthritis inhibited the development and generalization of the disease. Vitamin E had no effect on serum lysosomal enzyme activity, but markedly depressed lipid peroxidation.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis; Arthritis, Experimental; Arylsulfatases; Body Weight; Depression, Chemical; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Lysosomes; Male; Muramidase; Rats; Time Factors; Vitamin E

Currently, there is no effective treatment for diabetic microangiopathy. We have been examining, therefore, the effects of lysozyme on the renal conditions of spontaneous diabetic mice (NSY mice). We assessed the changes in glomerulus following the administration of lysozyme, using the thickness of the glomerular capillary basement membrane as an indicator. Littermate, male F19 NSY mice were divided into two groups. One of the groups (Group L) was treated with lysozyme; the other control group (Group C) with physiological saline. Group L received a daily intramuscular injection of lysozyme solution for 4 or 8 weeks. The thickness of the glomerular capillary basement membrane was measured in order to assess the effect of lysozyme administration. In the 4-week series, the thickness was 4783 +/- 1760 A in Group C and 3266 +/- 777 A in Group L, while in the 8-week series it was 6011 +/- 2043 A in Group C and 3540 +/- 431 A in Group L. In both series of Group L, a distinct inhibitory effect on the basement membrane thickening was found. The present findings suggest that lysozyme may be effective in human diabetic nephropathy. However its clinical usefulness must be confirmed in future studies.

Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Extracellular Matrix; Kidney Glomerulus; Mice; Mice, Mutant Strains; Muramidase

Lysozyme concentrations and bacterial colony counts were determined in 399 human milk samples obtained from 42 mothers (18 mothers of term infants, 24 mothers of preterm or small-for-date neonates). The average lysozyme concentration was 21.39 +/- 13.19 mg/L. Lysozyme concentrations were significantly greater in preterm (24.99 +/- 15.05 mg/L) than in term milk (14.89 +/- 9.83 mg/L) (p less than 0.05). Bacterial colony counts did not decline with increasing lysozyme concentration, i.e., no correlation between lysozyme concentration and bacterial count was found. Despite this lack of correlation, a significant correlation between lysozyme concentration and rate of weight gain was observed: the higher the lysozyme concentration, the better the weight gain. The mechanism of this observation remains to be elucidated; a trophic effect of lysozyme is suggested as a possible mechanism.

Topics: Body Weight; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Milk, Human; Muramidase

Indomethacin (0.5 mg/100 g b.w./day) and chloramphenicol (0.5 mg or 15 mg/100 g b.w./day) were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects on 7th day carrageenan-induced granuloma formation. Neither of the drugs modified granuloma or pouch wall weight but they decreased the exudate and the cluster of dead cells. Indomethacin and chloramphenicol decreased glucosamine in the dead cell granuloma fraction and increased the level of collagen in the pouch wall. The drugs differed in their inhibitory effect on lysozyme and prostaglandin E2 accumulation in the exudate. The increase in collagen was related to a drop in the level of prostaglandin E2 which seems to regulate collagen deposition in the granuloma. However, the prostaglandin E2-lysozyme correlation--which was only significant with chloramphenicol--suggests a mode of action for chloramphenicol different from that of indomethacin. Chloramphenicol could act by a myelodepressive and/or chemotactic effect. The effects of chloramphenicol on the macrophages are discussed.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Carrageenan; Chloramphenicol; Collagen; Glycosaminoglycans; Granuloma; Indomethacin; Inflammation; Leukocyte Count; Male; Muramidase; Organ Size; Prostaglandins E; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis; Arthritis, Experimental; Body Weight; Diterpenes; Female; Muramidase; Phenylbutazone; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

The effect of a low protein (4%) diet on the activity of the hydrolytic enzymes ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, acid and alkaline phosphatases, beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme has been studied in the spleen and thymus of weanling Wistar rats. Experimentation was carried out over 20 and 30 days, and comparisons were made with well-nourished (12% protein) controls. Body weight decreased during the terminal period in protein-deficient animals (P less than 0.001). Spleen and thymus absolute net weights also dropped significantly (P less than 0.001). In terms of organ weight relative to body weight, there was a clear decrease in thymus compared with controls (P less than 0.001). Enzyme activities expressed per total organ fell significantly. Thus, in spleen at 20 days the decrease was maximum in ribonuclease activity (91.15%) and minimum in acid phosphatase activity (44.09%). Thymus decreases ranged from 83.60% activity in beta-glucuronidase and 93.56% in ribonuclease. At 30 days decreases were accentuated; the maximum value in spleen was 92.34% lysozyme and, in thymus, 97.09% acid phosphatase. A large increase in hydrolytic activity expressed per milligram of protein was registered, especially at 30 days. This increase reached a maximum of 78.08% beta-glucuronidase in thymus and a minimum of 56.1% alkaline phosphatase; acid phosphatase and ribonuclease activities were not modified. In spleen, however, acid phosphatase (34.00%), alkaline phosphatase (62.50%), deoxyribonuclease (39.25%), and beta-glucuronidase (36.01%) increased, but lysozyme and ribonuclease enzymes decreased. We concluded that a low protein diet increases catabolism in spleen and thymus through an enhancement of lysosomal hydrolase activities.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Body Weight; Deoxyribonucleases; Glucuronidase; Lysosomes; Male; Muramidase; Organ Size; Protein Deficiency; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Ribonucleases; Spleen; Thymus Gland; Weaning

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cathepsins; Chickens; Female; Immunoglobulin G; Leukocyte Count; Male; Muramidase; Oligopeptides; Pepstatins; Rabbits; Radiation-Protective Agents; Trypsin Inhibitors

This paper relates to the efficacy of a catalytic converter in reducing the levels of certain pollutants emitted from an automobile engine and to the reduction and/or elimination of gross biologic damages in animals exposed to emissions from an exhaust system containing such catalysts. Groups of rats were exposed to diluted emissions from an automobile engine with and without catalyst. Concomitantly, a comparative experiment was conducted by exposing a group of rats to carbon monoxide alone (575 mg/m3). The parameters measured included hematocrit, serum LDH, GOT, and lysozyme. An elevation in hematocrit was observed in animals of the experiment run without catalyst and in those exposed to carbon monoxide; the use of the catalyst reduced the carbon monoxide levels in the exposure chambers by more than tenfold and prevented these bioeffects from occurring. Serum LDH activity was elevated in the groups of rats in the experiment conducted without catalyst, but no alternation was observed in the animals from the experiment utilizing the catalyst or in those exposed to carbon monoxide alone. The data obtained in this study showed that acute exposure to noncatalytic emissions caused significant alterations in certain biologic parameters. Conversely, the introduction of an oxidizing catalytic converter into the engine exhaust system reduced or prevented such biologic damage.

Topics: Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Catalysis; Female; Hematocrit; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Muramidase; Rats; Time Factors; Vehicle Emissions

An enterotoxic factor isolated from cultures of Salmonella yielded reproducible results in the suckling mouse model in contrast to other animal models. The enterotoxin appears to possess properties similar to both the heat-stable and heat-labile enterotoxins of Escherichia coli. Preliminary results indicate that the toxin is a protein, is located in the cell wall or outer-membrane fraction, and is difficult to separate from other cell wall constituents.

Topics: Amylases; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Bacterial Proteins; Bacteriological Techniques; Body Weight; Cell Membrane; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Chloroform; Cytochromes; Enterotoxins; Escherichia coli; Heptoses; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ileum; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Mice; Muramidase; NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases; Organ Size; Phenols; Phospholipases; Pronase; Salmonella enteritidis; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Temperature; Trypsin

Long-term immunosuppressive therapy of mice with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) for 2 and/or 3 weeks results in partial lethality, decrease of total leukocyte count, of serum lysozyme level and in bacteremia. The adverse effect of 6-MP treatment could not be prevented by lysozyme administration; immunization with Escherichia coli O86 antigen further increased the lethality of 6-MP in mice. The results stress the potential danger of immunization with bacterial antigens during immunosuppressive therapy.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Bacterial; Bacterial Infections; Blood; Body Weight; Enterobacteriaceae; Escherichia coli; Female; Immunization; Immunosuppressive Agents; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Leukocyte Count; Male; Mercaptopurine; Mice; Muramidase; Proteus

Simultaneous peroral administration of 6-mercaptopurine (80 mg/kg per day) and subcutaneous injection of hydrocortisone (1 mg/mouse per day) for ten days results in increased lethality and more pronounced decrease in total peripheral leukocyte count and serum lysozyme levels as compared with mice receiving each drug separately. The possible mechanism of this effect is discussed.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Body Weight; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hydrocortisone; Immunosuppressive Agents; Injections, Subcutaneous; Leukocyte Count; Mercaptopurine; Mice; Muramidase

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antibodies; Arthritis; Aspirin; Body Weight; Cyclophosphamide; Disease Models, Animal; Freund's Adjuvant; Hindlimb; Immunosuppressive Agents; Indomethacin; Male; Methotrexate; Muramidase; Phenylbutazone; Prednisolone; Rats

This report concerns the influence of the thymus on the response to antilymphocyte serum (ALS) in newborn mice of the Balb/C strain. Thymectomy or sham surgery was performed within 24 hours of birth and the 120 involved mice divided into the following experimental groups on the basis of the material subsequently injected: isotonic saline, normal rabbit serum, antilymphocyte serum, neonatal thymectomy, neonatal thymectomy plus normal rabbit serum and neonatal thymectomy plus antilymphocyte serum. Parameters evaluated included spleen index, mortality, absolute lymphocyte count, renal lysozyme activity, primary and secondary hemolysin titers. The results suggest that, in contradistinction to adult mice, the consequences of ALS administration to newborns are but slowly reversible and complete recovery may not be possible in the absence of the thymus.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antilymphocyte Serum; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Female; Hemolysin Proteins; Kidney; Lymphocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Muramidase; Organ Size; Spleen; Thymectomy; Thymus Gland; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Infectious; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Extremities; Leukocytosis; Male; Muramidase; Physical Exertion; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; BCG Vaccine; Body Weight; Cytoplasmic Granules; Epithelium; Injections, Intravenous; Macrophages; Microscopy, Electron; Muramidase; Oils; Organ Size; Pulmonary Alveoli; Rabbits

Topics: Animals; Autoradiography; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; DNA; Growth; Mice; Mitosis; Muramidase; Thymidine; Tritium