The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin on oxygen activity of polimorphonuclear neutrophils and to investigate the total antioxidant status of blood serum in rats subjected to chronic treatment with methimazole. The study was carried out on 15 male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g, divided into two groups. The animals from experimental group were administered a 0.05% drinking water solution of methimazole. The oxygen activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined using a modified RBA test. The extra-receptor effect of β-endorphin on the respiratory burst of neutrophils was evaluated. The incubation of neutrophils in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the control group caused a nearly threefold increase in the oxygen activity of the cells compared to the control. Slightly higher values were obtained after addition of β-endorphin at the concentration of 10-6. Lower concentrations of this opioid (10-8 and 10-10) also stimulated oxygen activity but at a lower level than PMA. Naloxone did not affect the oxygen activity only when using β-endorphin in the concentration of 10-6. Naloxone and β-endorphin in the concentrations of 10-8 and 10-10 evoked a linear decrease in the oxygen activity of neutrophils, below the values obtained for PMA. The obtained results suggest that methimazole significantly modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species under the influence of β-endorphin, which stimulates the respiratory burst via the receptor pathway and inhibits it via the extra-cellular pathway. Methimazole also stimulates the anti-free radical defence.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin on oxygen activity of polimorphonuclear neutrophils and to investigate the total antioxidant status of blood serum in rats subjected to chronic treatment with methimazole. The study was carried out on 15 male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g, divided into two groups. The animals from experimental group were administered a 0.05% drinking water solution of methimazole. The oxygen activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined using a modified RBA test. The extra-receptor effect of β-endorphin on the respiratory burst of neutrophils was evaluated. The incubation of neutrophils in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the control group caused a nearly threefold increase in the oxygen activity of the cells compared to the control. Slightly higher values were obtained after addition of β-endorphin at the concentration of 10-6. Lower concentrations of this opioid (10-8 and 10-10) also stimulated oxygen activity but at a lower level than PMA. Naloxone did not affect the oxygen activity only when using β-endorphin in the concentration of 10-6. Naloxone and β-endorphin in the concentrations of 10-8 and 10-10 evoked a linear decrease in the oxygen activity of neutrophils, below the values obtained for PMA. The obtained results suggest that methimazole significantly modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species under the influence of β-endorphin, which stimulates the respiratory burst via the receptor pathway and inhibits it via the extra-cellular pathway. Methimazole also stimulates the anti-free radical defence.

Electrocardiographic examinations were performed on 45 Silesian breed horses (group K, 3-16-year-old, 16 stallions, 29 mares) and on 25 Polish Primitive breed horses (group P, 1.5-19-year-old, two stallions, six geldings, 17 mares). Einthoven and chest leads were used. P-wave dispersion was electronically evaluated. There was no correlation between P-wave dispersion and other ECG parameters, age, sex, body mass, or month of pregnancy. The average value of P-wave dispersion for all horses was 30.77 ms (SD 3.92 ms), however in particular groups it was: in group P - 31.89 ms (SD 3.07 ms), and in group K - 30.15 ms (SD 4.27 ms). The maximum value of P-wave dispersion in the studied population was 40 ms, in groups P and K - 37,6 ms and 40 ms, respectively. The physiological value of P-wave dispersion for the group of horses was below 45 ms.

Electrocardiographic examinations were performed on 45 Silesian breed horses (group K, 3-16-year-old, 16 stallions, 29 mares) and on 25 Polish Primitive breed horses (group P, 1.5-19-year-old, two stallions, six geldings, 17 mares). Einthoven and chest leads were used. P-wave dispersion was electronically evaluated. There was no correlation between P-wave dispersion and other ECG parameters, age, sex, body mass, or month of pregnancy. The average value of P-wave dispersion for all horses was 30.77 ms (SD 3.92 ms), however in particular groups it was: in group P - 31.89 ms (SD 3.07 ms), and in group K - 30.15 ms (SD 4.27 ms). The maximum value of P-wave dispersion in the studied population was 40 ms, in groups P and K - 37,6 ms and 40 ms, respectively. The physiological value of P-wave dispersion for the group of horses was below 45 ms.

The study included 40 strains of Malassezia pachydermatis obtained in pure culture from external ear canal of dogs and the reference strain. Protein fractions were received by mechanical disruption of the fungal cells. Denaturing protein electrophoresis was performed according to Laemmli method. More than 90% of the all tested strains were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 83.0; 77.0; 59.0; 55.0; 48.0; 38.0; 35.0; 28.0, and 27.0 kDa. In other regions of electrophoregrams, a relatively high differentiation was observed. The strains isolated from animals with otitis externa were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 75.0; 61.0; 52.0; 36.0; 19.5; 16.0; 13.8, and 13.0 kDa. These fractions were absent in the commensal strains. The use of statistical analysis confirmed the obtained results and allowed to generate dendrogram grouping potentially pathogenic and commensal strains on two different branches. Such results may indicate significant differences between protein profiles of strains of M. pachydermatis isolated from healthy and diseased animals.

The study included 40 strains of Malassezia pachydermatis obtained in pure culture from external ear canal of dogs and the reference strain. Protein fractions were received by mechanical disruption of the fungal cells. Denaturing protein electrophoresis was performed according to Laemmli method. More than 90% of the all tested strains were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 83.0; 77.0; 59.0; 55.0; 48.0; 38.0; 35.0; 28.0, and 27.0 kDa. In other regions of electrophoregrams, a relatively high differentiation was observed. The strains isolated from animals with otitis externa were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 75.0; 61.0; 52.0; 36.0; 19.5; 16.0; 13.8, and 13.0 kDa. These fractions were absent in the commensal strains. The use of statistical analysis confirmed the obtained results and allowed to generate dendrogram grouping potentially pathogenic and commensal strains on two different branches. Such results may indicate significant differences between protein profiles of strains of M. pachydermatis isolated from healthy and diseased animals.

Changes in selected blood lymphocyte subpopulations in dogs administered with a soluble parasitic antigen (SPA) derived from a supernatant of 18S RNA-A and 18S RNA-B Babesia canis cell culture were investigated. The studies included 20 dogs divided into three groups: group I (n=8) - comprised of dogs receiving SPA twice, at 3 week intervals; group II (n=5) - nonvaccinated control dogs, and group III (n=7) - dogs vaccinated twice with a commercial B. canis vaccine. Cytometric analysis revealed that vaccination with SPA derived from B. canis culture had similar effects to the vaccination with a commercial vaccine. The vaccination lowered the percentage of T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic/supressor T cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD21+), and MHC II lymphocytes in the blood in comparison to non-vaccinated dogs. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that mean values of the tested parameters at each stage of the study were similar in groups I and III and significantly higher in group II. The lowered level of the lymphocyte subpopulations in groups I and III persisted during the whole period of the study. The results presented that SPA has immunosuppressive effect in the first period after being administrated.

Changes in selected blood lymphocyte subpopulations in dogs administered with a soluble parasitic antigen (SPA) derived from a supernatant of 18S RNA-A and 18S RNA-B Babesia canis cell culture were investigated. The studies included 20 dogs divided into three groups: group I (n=8) - comprised of dogs receiving SPA twice, at 3 week intervals; group II (n=5) - nonvaccinated control dogs, and group III (n=7) - dogs vaccinated twice with a commercial B. canis vaccine. Cytometric analysis revealed that vaccination with SPA derived from B. canis culture had similar effects to the vaccination with a commercial vaccine. The vaccination lowered the percentage of T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic/supressor T cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD21+), and MHC II lymphocytes in the blood in comparison to non-vaccinated dogs. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that mean values of the tested parameters at each stage of the study were similar in groups I and III and significantly higher in group II. The lowered level of the lymphocyte subpopulations in groups I and III persisted during the whole period of the study. The results presented that SPA has immunosuppressive effect in the first period after being administrated.

Sixteen white Wistar female rats were divided into two equal groups. Experimental group received per os 40 mg/kg b.w. of L-arginine, every other day for 2 weeks and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. Control rats received in the same manner 2 ml of distilled water and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. The renal lesions observed under electron microscope were of focal character and concerned only the experimental group. The tubules with necrotic cells were observed among normal tubules or single normal epithelial cells of the tubular wall. The boundaries between epithelial cells of the tubule wall were blurred. The mitochondria indicated abnormal structure. Numerous lysosomes and peroxysomes with dark, homogenous content were observed. The rough endoplasmic reticulum had widened channels and was focally completely destroyed. The nucleus of damaged cells was most commonly located in one of the cell poles; its shape was changed and visibly smaller than the nuclei of normal cells. Condensation and peripherally located chromatin were noticed. The lesions observed were characteristic for apoptotic cells.

Sixteen white Wistar female rats were divided into two equal groups. Experimental group received per os 40 mg/kg b.w. of L-arginine, every other day for 2 weeks and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. Control rats received in the same manner 2 ml of distilled water and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. The renal lesions observed under electron microscope were of focal character and concerned only the experimental group. The tubules with necrotic cells were observed among normal tubules or single normal epithelial cells of the tubular wall. The boundaries between epithelial cells of the tubule wall were blurred. The mitochondria indicated abnormal structure. Numerous lysosomes and peroxysomes with dark, homogenous content were observed. The rough endoplasmic reticulum had widened channels and was focally completely destroyed. The nucleus of damaged cells was most commonly located in one of the cell poles; its shape was changed and visibly smaller than the nuclei of normal cells. Condensation and peripherally located chromatin were noticed. The lesions observed were characteristic for apoptotic cells.

The study included a sheep flock comprising five genetic groups. The ELISA was applied to perform constant monitoring (every six months) for the infection of ewes with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). The research results demonstrated a negative effect of SRLVs infection on lamb rearing that, depending on the genetic group, proved to be lower 1.3%-1.4% compared to the seronegative mothers. At relatively equal fertility (94%-100%) and more differentiated prolificacy (179%-198%) in all the examined groups (except the Suffolk breed), a rearing index was higher in the seronegative animals 6.8%-24.1% compared to the seropositive mothers. The Suffolk breed proved to be the genetic group most susceptible to SRLV infection. A prolificacy of infected ewes was 10% lower, a lamb rearing rate was 13% lower , and a general reproductive performance was 18% lower in comparison to healthy ewes.

The study included a sheep flock comprising five genetic groups. The ELISA was applied to perform constant monitoring (every six months) for the infection of ewes with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). The research results demonstrated a negative effect of SRLVs infection on lamb rearing that, depending on the genetic group, proved to be lower 1.3%-1.4% compared to the seronegative mothers. At relatively equal fertility (94%-100%) and more differentiated prolificacy (179%-198%) in all the examined groups (except the Suffolk breed), a rearing index was higher in the seronegative animals 6.8%-24.1% compared to the seropositive mothers. The Suffolk breed proved to be the genetic group most susceptible to SRLV infection. A prolificacy of infected ewes was 10% lower, a lamb rearing rate was 13% lower , and a general reproductive performance was 18% lower in comparison to healthy ewes.

The toxic effect of various doses of aflatoxin B1 on renal function was studied. Experiments were conducted on randomly chosen Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I received 8% alcohol intragastrically. The other groups received aflatoxin B1 in various doses. The effect of the aflatoxin on renal cells was analysed by means of determination of oxidoreductive balance and development of free radicals. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in renal tissue has decreased with an increase in the dose of aflatoxin B1. Disturbance of oxidation balance in the kidneys confirm a toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on these organs

The toxic effect of various doses of aflatoxin B1 on renal function was studied. Experiments were conducted on randomly chosen Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I received 8% alcohol intragastrically. The other groups received aflatoxin B1 in various doses. The effect of the aflatoxin on renal cells was analysed by means of determination of oxidoreductive balance and development of free radicals. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in renal tissue has decreased with an increase in the dose of aflatoxin B1. Disturbance of oxidation balance in the kidneys confirm a toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on these organs

The study was conducted on 20 clinically healthy stallions, aged 3-4 years. The evaluation of the degree of adaptation of stallions to exercise loads in the course of a 100-d training programme was conducted three times: (I) - on the 1st d of training, (II) - on the 46th d of training, and (III) - on the 97th d of training. Rectal temperature (T) and number of heart and respiratory rates were measured. Blood was sampled before exercise (1), after exercise (2), and 30 min after rest (3). The following indices were determined in the blood: concentration of haemoglobin, haematocrit level, number of red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and platelets. Post-exertion changes in the evaluated indicators showed moderate intensity to the applied loads with respect to functional potential of tested horses. The effect of the standard 100-d training was to stimulate the body's adaptation to functional tasks, which was evidenced, among others, by lower variability of post-exertion T and the number of red blood cells. The highest T increase was found at the beginning of the programme (about 2.1%), whereas during the subsequent studies (II and III) it was significantly (P<0.05) lower (0.98% and 0.84%, respectively). The variability in red blood cell count in the course of training showed a downward trend (16.4%, 13.7%, and 11.0%, respectively). The results confirm the relatively low exercise loads and good health of young stallions during the 100-d performance test.

The study was conducted on 20 clinically healthy stallions, aged 3-4 years. The evaluation of the degree of adaptation of stallions to exercise loads in the course of a 100-d training programme was conducted three times: (I) - on the 1st d of training, (II) - on the 46th d of training, and (III) - on the 97th d of training. Rectal temperature (T) and number of heart and respiratory rates were measured. Blood was sampled before exercise (1), after exercise (2), and 30 min after rest (3). The following indices were determined in the blood: concentration of haemoglobin, haematocrit level, number of red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and platelets. Post-exertion changes in the evaluated indicators showed moderate intensity to the applied loads with respect to functional potential of tested horses. The effect of the standard 100-d training was to stimulate the body's adaptation to functional tasks, which was evidenced, among others, by lower variability of post-exertion T and the number of red blood cells. The highest T increase was found at the beginning of the programme (about 2.1%), whereas during the subsequent studies (II and III) it was significantly (P<0.05) lower (0.98% and 0.84%, respectively). The variability in red blood cell count in the course of training showed a downward trend (16.4%, 13.7%, and 11.0%, respectively). The results confirm the relatively low exercise loads and good health of young stallions during the 100-d performance test.

The paper describes an outbreak of swine influenza, which was the first H1N2 outbreak confirmed in pig farm in Poland. The outbreak occurred in October 2011 in the farrows to finish farm, first in the fattening units, and subsequently in the reproduction and weaning sectors. Samples of the lungs taken from dead gilts were tested by the use of real time and multiplex PCR, sequencing, and virus isolation methods. The amplification of the genetic material extracted from the lungs confirmed the presence of the M1 gene sequence of type A influenza virus. Using multiplex PCR, the bands of 241 bp, typical for HA1 human-like type, and of 791 bp, typical for NA2, were demonstrated. The new isolates of swine influenza virus, named A/swine/Poland/15817/2011, were obtained in embryonated SPF chicken eggs and MDCK cells. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes of the isolate revealed that the virus is of human swine linkage closely related to European human-like viruses. On the basis of such results, it can be stated that A/Swine/Poland/15817/2011 is a new swine influenza virus, representing the H1N2 subtype strain, which emerged in Poland.

The paper describes an outbreak of swine influenza, which was the first H1N2 outbreak confirmed in pig farm in Poland. The outbreak occurred in October 2011 in the farrows to finish farm, first in the fattening units, and subsequently in the reproduction and weaning sectors. Samples of the lungs taken from dead gilts were tested by the use of real time and multiplex PCR, sequencing, and virus isolation methods. The amplification of the genetic material extracted from the lungs confirmed the presence of the M1 gene sequence of type A influenza virus. Using multiplex PCR, the bands of 241 bp, typical for HA1 human-like type, and of 791 bp, typical for NA2, were demonstrated. The new isolates of swine influenza virus, named A/swine/Poland/15817/2011, were obtained in embryonated SPF chicken eggs and MDCK cells. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes of the isolate revealed that the virus is of human swine linkage closely related to European human-like viruses. On the basis of such results, it can be stated that A/Swine/Poland/15817/2011 is a new swine influenza virus, representing the H1N2 subtype strain, which emerged in Poland.