[Myorenal syndrome in forensic practice: molecular aspects of etiology and pathogenesis]

The objective of the study is to analyze the publications on biochemical aspects of myorenal syndrome (crush-syndrome) pathogenesis. Factors of trauma and other etiologies significant in terms of forensic practice that cause muscle tissue destruction are presented. Molecular processes in rhabdomyolysis and subsequent renal damage, the establishment of the sequence of which is important for forensic medicine, are outlined. The study results will improve our understanding of the of myorenal syndrome pathophysiology, its biochemical features, and optimize methods for its forensic diagnosis.

Genetic resources of narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and their role in its domestication and breeding

Narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is a cultivated multipurpose species with a very short history of domestication. It is used as a green manure, and for feed and food. This crop shows good prospects for use in pharmacology and as a source of f ish feeds in aquaculture. However, its genetic potential for the development of productive and adaptable cultivars is far from being realized. For crop species, the genetic base of the cultivated gene pool has repeatedly been shown as being much narrower than that of the wild gene pool. Therefore, eff icient utilization of a species’ genetic resources is important for the crop’s further improvement. Analyzing the information on the germplasm collections preserved in national gene banks can help perceive the worldwide diversity of L. angustifolius genetic resources and understand how they are studied and used. In this context, the data on the narrow-leaved lupine collection held by VIR are presented: its size and composition, the breeding status of accessions, methods of studying and disclosing intraspecif ic differentiation, the classif ications used, and the comparison of this information with available data on other collections. It appeared that VIR’s collection of narrow-leaved lupine, ranking as the world’s second largest, differed signif icantly from others by the prevalence of advanced cultivars and breeding material in it, while wild accessions prevailed in most collections. The importance of the wild gene pool for the narrow-leaved lupine breeding in Australia, the world leader in lupine production, is highlighted. The need to get an insight into the species’ ecogeographic diversity in order to develop cultivars adaptable to certain cultivation conditions is shown. The data on the testing of VIR’s collection for main crop characters valuable for breeders are presented. Special attention is paid to the study of accessions with limited branching as a promising gene pool for cultivation in relatively northern regions of Russia. They demonstrate lower but more stable productivity, and suitability for cultivation in planting patterns, which has a number of agronomic advantages. Analyzing the work with narrow-leaved lupine genetic resources in different national gene banks over the world helps shape the prospects of further activities with VIR’s collection as the only source of promising material for domestic breeding.

Geographical Distribution, Incidence, Malignancies, and Outcome of 136 Eastern Slavic Patients With Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome and NBN Founder Variant c.657_661del5

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a DNA repair disorder characterized by combined immunodeficiency and a high predisposition to lymphoid malignancies. The majority of NBS patients are identified with a homozygous five base pair deletion in the Nibrin (NBN) gene (c.657_661del5, p.K219fsX19) with a founder effect observed in Caucasian European populations, especially of Slavic origin. We present here an analysis of a cohort of 136 NBS patients of Eastern Slav origin across Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and Latvia with a focus on understanding the geographic distribution, incidence of malignancy, and treatment outcomes of this cohort. Our analysis shows that Belarus had the highest prevalence of NBS (2.3 per 1,000,000), followed by Ukraine (1.3 per 1,000,000), and Russia (0.7 per 1,000,000). Of note, the highest concentration of NBS cases was observed in the western regions of Belarus and Ukraine, where NBS prevalence exceeds 20 cases per 1,000,000 people, suggesting the presence of an “Eastern Slavic NBS hot spot.” The median age at diagnosis of this cohort ranged from 4 to 5 years, and delay in diagnosis was more pervasive in smaller cities and rural regions. A total of 62 (45%) patients developed malignancies, more commonly in males than females (55.2 vs. 34.2%; p=0.017). In 27 patients, NBS was diagnosed following the onset of malignancies (mean age: 8 years). Malignancies were mostly of lymphoid origin and predominantly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (n=42, 68%); 38% of patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The 20-year overall survival rate of patients with malignancy was 24%. However, females with cancer experienced poorer event-free survival rates than males (16.6% vs. 46.8%, p=0.036). Of 136 NBS patients, 13 underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with an overall survival of 3.5 years following treatment (range: 1 to 14 years). Indications for HSCT included malignancy (n=7) and immunodeficiency (n=6). Overall, 9% of patients in this cohort reached adulthood. Adult survivors reported diminished quality of life with significant physical and cognitive impairments. Our study highlights the need to improve timely diagnosis and clinical management of NBS among Eastern Slavs. Genetic counseling and screening should be offered to individuals with a family history of NBS, especially in hot spot regions.

Primary Immunodeficiencies in Russia: Data From the National Registry

Introduction: Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a group of rare genetic disorders with a multitude of clinical symptoms. Characterization of epidemiological and clinical data via national registries has proven to be a valuable tool of studying these diseases. Materials and Methods: The Russian PID registry was set up in 2017, by the National Association of Experts in PID (NAEPID). It is a secure, internet-based database that includes detailed clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data on PID patients of all ages. Results: The registry contained information on 2,728 patients (60% males, 40% females), from all Federal Districts of the Russian Federation. 1,851/2,728 (68%) were alive, 1,426/1,851 (77%) were children and 425/1,851 (23%) were adults. PID was diagnosed before the age of 18 in 2,192 patients (88%). Antibody defects (699; 26%) and syndromic PID (591; 22%) were the most common groups of PID. The minimum overall PID prevalence in the Russian population was 1.3:100,000 people; the estimated PID birth rate is 5.7 per 100,000 live births. The number of newly diagnosed patients per year increased dramatically, reaching the maximum of 331 patients in 2018. The overall mortality rate was 9.8%. Genetic testing has been performed in 1,740 patients and genetic defects were identified in 1,344 of them (77.2%). The median diagnostic delay was 2 years; this varied from 4 months to 11 years, depending on the PID category. The shortest time to diagnosis was noted in the combined PIDs-in WAS, DGS, and CGD. The longest delay was observed in AT, NBS, and in the most prevalent adult PID: HAE and CVID. Of the patients, 1,622 had symptomatic treatment information: 843 (52%) received IG treatment, mainly IVIG (96%), and 414 (25%) patients were treated with biological drugs. HSCT has been performed in 342/2,728 (16%) patients, of whom 67% are currently alive, 17% deceased, and 16% lost to follow-up. Three patients underwent gene therapy for WAS; all are currently alive. Conclusions: Here, we describe our first analysis of the epidemiological features of PID in Russia, allowing us to highlight the main challenges around PID diagnosis and treatment.

The exchange of monoamines during the experimental neurosis on the background of using of amide "2-hydroxy-n-naphthalen-1-yl-2-(2-oxo-,2-dihydroindol-3-ylidene)"

INTRODUCTION

Incessant increase in the frequency and distribution of anxiety disorders stipulates searching, research and study of the mechanism of action of new substances for their correction, including the group of 2-oxoindolin-3-glyoxylic acid derivatives.

THE AIM

To research the effect of N-(1-naphthyl) amide-2-oxoindolin-3-glyoxylic acid on monoaminergic system of subjected to experimental neurosis of rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiments were performed on male Wistar rats, who have weight 180-220g and were researching the effect of 2-hydro-N-naphthalen-1-yl-2-(2-oxy-1,2-dihydroindol-3-ylidene)-acetamide (compound 18) at a dose (12 mg/kg), by intragastric drug injection of subjected to experimental neurosis rats, during 30 days (1 time in three days), for monoamines content (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) in the blood, their decay products (homovanillic acid, vanillylmandelic acid and 5-oxyindolacetic acid) in the urine and the ratio of end products of the reaction to their predecessors.

RESEARCH

It was established that during the preventive-therapeutic application of N-(1-naphthyl)amide-2-oxoindolin-3-glyoxylic acid, it effectively adjusts the level of monoamines, reducing the content of adrenaline and increasing the content of noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-HT in the blood. The compound also reduces the content of products exchange of mediators (HVA,VMA and 5-OIAA) in the urine. The 2-oxoindolin derivatives reduces the ratio between HVA/dopamine, VMA/(noradrenaline + adrenaline) and 5-OIAA/5-HT, it testifies about the normalizing of enzymes activity, which are involved in the process of exchange and maintaining the constancy of monoamines. The results show that in the mechanisms of anxiolytic action of compound 18, a significant role plays the normalization of content and exchange of neurotransmitters in the organism, which caused an experimental neurosis.

CONCLUSION

Compound 2-hydro-N-naphthalen-1-yl-2-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydroindol-3-ylidene)-acetamide by the experimental 30-day neurosis, was reducing the expression of neurotransmitter imbalance in the blood, apparently due to correction of enzymatic synthesis links and biotransformation of monoamines.

Research of the protection actions of derived 2-oxoindole in acute stress

INTRODUCTION

Correction of pathological anxiety and stress level of frustration leads to the development of new anxiolytics, notably including derivatives of 2-oksoyndolyn- 3-hlyoksylic acid. The aim of work - to study the effect of 2-oksyindolin-3-hlyoksylic acid on emotional and behavioral reactions of rats subjected to behavioral stress tests of different averiability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In experiments on 150 white mature male rats Wistar investigated the effects of 2-oksoindolin (2-hydroxy-N-naphthalene-1-yl-2-(2-hydroxy-1,2- dihydro-indole-3-ylidene)-acetamide) with laboratory codes 18 when intraperitoneally administered to acute immobilization stress on Sel'ye on emotional and behavioral responses of animals to test «open field», «a raised cross maze» and test «conflict behavior» (option Vogel).

RESULTS

Established that the prophylactic use of the compound 18 in a test of "open field" warned the stress changes in the latent period of the first movement, likely increased the number of exits to the center installation, warned breach vertical and horizontal motor activity and significantly increased the number of acts of grooming and reduced the number of boluses compared with stress without correction. Revealed changes suggest that the substance 18 prevents anxiety disorders conduct stress genesis. In the test «a raised cross maze» of 2-oksoindolin significantly increased the number of outputs rats in open arms maze and reduced the number of fecal balls compared with those in the control disorders. In the study antyconflict action found that the compound increased the number of approaches to the drinkers, but the activity in this test yielded diazepam.

CONCLUSION

Installed conservation action anksyolityc 2-hydroxy-N-naphthalene-1-yl-2-(2-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-indole-3-ylidene)-atsetamidu acute stress may be associated with indirect stimulation of GABA - benzdiazepin receptor complex, by strengthening endogenous GABA affinity to the receptors and/or indirect stimulation of GABA receptors by other neurotransmitter systems, including serotonergic, which makes compounds for further study the possibility of post stress with anxiety disorders.

ARTERIAL CHEMOINFUSION IN PATIENTS WITH LOCALLY ADVANCED AND METASTATIC PANCREAS CANCER

The chemoinfusions (310) were carried out in celiac trunk in 167 patients with non-removed pancreas cancer at the period from 2000 to 2015. Locally advanced timorous process (stage III, n=79) was revealed in 79 patients and liver metastases (stage IV, n=88) were noted in 88 cases. The celiac axis infusion by Gemcitabine (1000 mg/m²) was applied for patients and GEMOX (Gemcitabine+Oxaliplatin 75 mg/m²) has been using since 2012. Symptomatic improvement such as decrease of pain, growth of body weight was noted in majority of patients. An average lifetime, median and one-year survival consisted of 7,6 months, 5,8 months and 10%. The patients (133) were treated by 1–2 cycles and after that by course of total body chemotherapeutics. There weren’t any serious complications. Toxic manifestations of chemotherapy weren’t higher than I–II degree and they were arrested by corrective therapy in 92 patients (55%). The celiac axis infusion is safe in patients with locally advanced and inoperable pancreas cancer. Symptomatic improvement showed the most patients. The objective response to the treatment had 20% patients and performance of repeated cycles led to increase of their survival.

[Biological properties of salmonellae and local immunity in Salmonella infection]

The comparative study of the biological properties of S. enteritidis and S. typhimuruim, isolated from patients and convalescent carriers, was carried out. Factors inactivating the components of the local immunity of the intestine (lysozyme, complement, lactoferrin, IgG, IgM and IgA) were detected in the causative agents of Salmonella infections. The spread and expression degree of properties of a causative agent were serovar-depended: high penetration characteristics and the expression of anti-lactoferrin and anti-immunoglobulin activity were characteristic of S. typhimurium. S. enteritidis strains isolated from patients with carrier state formed in the convalescence period were found to have higher persistence level. In co-profiltrates obtained from carriers at the peak of the disease and during convalescence lower levels of IgM, IgG, sIgA, complement and lactoferrin were determined in comparison with those in coprofiltrates obtained from patients in whom no subsequent carrier state was formed. These results indicate that an increase in the persistence of salmonellae, occurring simultaneously with the local immunodeficiency, contributes to the prolonged survival of bacteria in the intestine.

Summary report on the ISOBM TD-6 workshop: analysis of 20 monoclonal antibodies against Sialyl Lewisa and related antigens. Montreux, Switzerland, September 19-24, 1997

The ISOBM TD-6 Workshop is the first international workshop on monoclonal antibodies against the Sialyl Lewisa (SLea) antigen. Eight research groups participated in a blind study to characterize the epitope binding, relative affinity and performance in immunoradiometric assays, of a panel of 20 monoclonal antibodies. The antibodies were tested against a diverse panel of neoglycoconjugates, purified antigens and human serum pools from gastrointestinal malignancies. Epitope specificities were determined for the majority of antibodies in the panel. Cross-reactivity with related saccharide structures was noted in several antibodies. Overall, the results of the TD-6 Workshop show further development of SLea immunoassays may yield yet more specific assays for the detection and management of gastrointestinal and other malignancies.

Association of prognosis in surgically treated lung cancer patients with cytometric, histometric and ligand histochemical properties: with an emphasis on structural entropy

OBJECTIVE

To explore new tumor features for refined category formation that permits the tailoring of individualized treatment schemes in lung cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Survival data on patients from six independent studies on cases with surgically treated lung cancer, primary lung carcinoids or metastasizing breast carcinoma (including data on primary breast carcinoma) were analyzed by nonhierarchic multivariant discriminant analysis with respect to a set of cytometric/histometric and immunohistochemical/ligand histochemical parameters. The number of stem lines, S-phase-related tumor cell fraction and the extent of structural entropy and its current were measured. In addition, the expression of binding capacities for histo-blood group trisacharides, galectins, the alpha/beta-interferon antagonist sarcolectin, the lymphokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor and a monoclonal antibody to the Le(y) epitope was monitored for insight into aspects of immunologic and biologic behavior.

RESULTS

In all studies, a correlation between tumor parameters, according to TNM stage and survival, was seen. In order to refine this category formation, at least certain selected features should provide an even more stringent association than TNM stages. Indeed, statistical correlation of the cytometric and histometric parameters as well as the expression of receptors for the two histo-blood group trisaccharides, ligands for the galectins (CL-16, CL-14) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor was stronger than that of TNM stage. A large amount of the current of structural entropy was especially highly significantly associated with poor survival. This observation could be verified in each of the different studies.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data strongly support the notion that thermodynamic evaluation of tumor growth focusing on the "entropy distance" of the tumor from its environment is a promising perspective warranting extended studies. Additionally, glycohistochemical features, including binding capacities for histo-blood group trisaccharides, have the potential to aid in establishment of a biologic marker set for tumor staging.

[Study of fluorescence from isolated yeast plasma membranes in visible range of the spectrum]

The fluorescence with maximum at 683 nm from isolated yeast plasma membranes has been detected. The fluorescence was due to a membrane-bound compound absorbing in the visible range of the spectrum. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of this compound has a structure typical for porphyrins. At the same time, in several fluorescence properties the porphyrin localized in the plasma membrane is different from other intracellular porphyrins (protoporphyrin, coproporphyrin).

[Selectin receptors. 5. Monoclonal antibodies to the synthetic antigens SiaLe(a) and SiaLe(x)]

Five IgM class monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to the SiaLea tetrasaccharide, which is known as a serologic tumor marker CA 19.9, and three MAbs (one of IgG3 and two of IgM class) to the SiaLex tetrasaccharide (differentiation antigen CD15s) were obtained against totally synthetic immunogens. The epitope specificity of the antibodies was determined using a wide range of oligosaccharides and their polyacrylamide conjugates. MAb 4E10 against SiaLea and MAb 4G5 to SiaLex were highly specific to the antigen predefined by immunization: they did not cross-react either with structurally and conformationally related oligosaccharides or with their disaccharide fragments. Two MAbs to SiaLea (D7 and E5B1) showed a weak binding to SiaLex. MAb CC1 recognized SiaLea and SiaLex almost equally, and MAb 5H9 to SiaLea cross-reacted with the non-sialylated form, the Lea trisaccharide. Two MAbs against SiaLex A3 and B11 bound to all carbohydrate structures containing the core disaccharide Gal beta 1-3(4)GlcNAc.

Monoclonal antibody LU-BCRU-G7 against a breast tumour-associated glycoprotein recognizes the disaccharide Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc

The monoclonal antibody LU-BCRU-G7, that was generated by in vitro immunization, shows clinical value as a prognostic marker in early stage breast carcinoma. It has now been characterized with regard to its binding epitope. Using a recently described method based on the construction of N-substituted polyacrylamide (PAA) derivatives of carbohydrates (pseudopolysaccharides), the structure of the epitope for the monoclonal antibody LU-BCRU-G7 has been determined. Competitive binding assays and inhibitory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using these pseudopolysaccharides have shown the LU-BCRU-G7 epitope to be a disaccharide Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc (Lec; where Gal is D-galactose, Glc is D-glucose and GlcNAc is N-acetyl-D-glucosamine). Both galactose and N-acetyl glucosamine moieties are essential for binding. Substitution on C-2 or C-3 of the terminal galactose abolished binding, as did galactose-alpha terminated oligosaccharides. The galactose moiety alone, as expressed by the Gal beta-PAA conjugate, appeared to be a more important feature of the epitope than the GlcNAc-PAA conjugate, which failed to bind or inhibit the LU-BCRU-G7 antibody. In the N-acetyl glucosamine moiety, binding was decreased but not eliminated by fucose substitution, as in Lea, or change in configuration of C-4, as in Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc. Omission of the NAc group resulted in complete loss of activity. The tetrasaccharide lacto-N-tetraose, although containing the terminal Lec disaccharide, does not react with the antibody, suggesting conformational interference of the binding site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification of monoclonal antibodies to Le(y) and Le(d) carbohydrate antigens by ion-exchange and thiophilic-adsorption chromatography

The paper deals with convenient and fast methods for purification of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to carbohydrate antigens Le(y) and Le(d) from the cell culture and ascite fluid by ion-exchange chromatography on S-Sepharose and salt-promoted chromatography on a "thiophilic" adsorbent. One-step procedure on S-Sepharose of MAbs to Le(y) (IgG and IgM) provides significant purification (over 90% of contaminants were removed), while a purification factor for IgM to Le(d) is much lower. Highly purified IgM to Le(d) could be obtained by a two-step purification procedure including "thiophilic-adsorption" chromatography and gel-filtration (90-98% of contaminants from the cell culture and ascite fluid were removed). The preparations of IgG and IgM retain their initial antibody activity.

Monoclonal antibodies directed to the synthetic carbohydrate antigen Ley

Tetrasaccharide Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc is known as carbohydrate determinant of cancer- and AIDS-associated antigen Lewisy (Ley). Synthetic antigen to generate mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed to Ley was prepared and constructed as a spacer-armed tetrasaccharide coupled with lipophilized polymer, Ley-PAA-PE, where PAA is a 30-kD polyacrylamide and PE is phosphatidylethanolamine. An efficient immune response was provided by using Ley-PAA-PE adsorbed on Salmonella minnesota. Positive hybridomas were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Ley-PAA as a coating agent. An inhibitory version of the same test system showed absolute specificity of two MAbs: only hapten Ley and Ley-PAA were strong inhibitors, in contrast to Leb, tri- and disaccharidic fragments of the mentioned tetrasaccharides, as well as their PAA-conjugates. MAbs obtained against synthetic antigen specifically stained the Ley (+) cell line A431.

[Comparative evaluation of the methods of determining perfringens A antitoxin]

The methods for determining the level of type A Perfringens antitoxin in human blood sera were examined and compared. The ratios for correlating the data obtained in the toxin neutralization test (NT) in vivo, in the passive hemagglutination test (PHT), and as a result of the enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with regard to the antitoxin level measured in the NT in vitro were equal to 0.88, 0.64 and 0.39, respectively. The sensitivity of the NT in vivo and in vitro was 0.25 IU/ml, that of the PHT 0.01-0.005 IU/ml, and that of the ELISA 0.01-0.02 IU/ml Perfringens antitoxin. To perform the NT, not less than 1 ml blood serum is required, while for the PHT and ELISA, 0.1-0.05 ml. Provided hyghly purified anatoxin is used for preparing the erythrocyte diagnosticum Perfringens, and polysterene plates are sensitized in performing the ELISA, all the reactions are specific. While titrating human blood sera containing type A Perfringens antitoxin, use in the PHT may be made of type A Perfringens rabbit antiserum as reference.

[Factors modulating production of antibodies against Clostridium perfringens in mammals]

Immunogenic properties of Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid preparations obtained by different methods are described. As regards immunogenicity for guinea-pigs and man, toxoid obtained by the detoxification of preliminarily purified alpha-toxin (experimental toxoid) compares favourably with preparations obtained by the detoxification of alpha-toxin in a culture fluid. It was shown in experiments on guinea pigs that immunogenicity of experimental toxoid rises with the increase in the degree of purification of alpha-toxin used for detoxification. The least purified preparations turned out to be the most immunogenic for mice. In Cl. perfringens culture fluid, factor (factors) was found and separated, which reduced the immunogenicity of the respective toxoid in experiments with immunization of guinea pigs and increased it in mice. Activation of antibody-formation was disclosed to be nonspecific. The existence of this factor(s) should be taken into account in the development of vaccines and methods for evaluating their immunogenic properties.

[Characteristics of the immunologic response of animals to Clostridium perfringens anatoxin]

Experiments were conducted on guinea pigs, rabbits and mice (mongrel and inbred); immunogenic properties of Cl. perfringens toxoids of different purity were studied. Toxin neutralization and passive hemagglutination tests were used to determine the antitoxic immunity level. It appeared that in the immunization of guinea pigs and rabbits the degree of immunogenicity of the preparations increased with the elevation of their specific activity. Under the same conditions both the mongrel and the inbred mice displayed the maximum immune response in the immunization with the least purified preparations, and the minimum after the injection of a highly purified antigen.

[Properties of C1. perfringens toxoids obtained from purified toxins]

The authors present the results of comparative study of the properties of experimental perfringens toxoids obtained from purified alpha-toxoids of different degrees of purity. Experimental toxoids proved to possess a greater immunogenicity than preparations obtained by detoxication of alpha-toxin under conditions of cultural fluid, the greater--the more the purity of alpha-toxin used for procuring the experimental toxoid. C1. perfringens alpha-toxin recovered as a result of two-stage alpha-toxin purification, including its primary concentration and fractionation on DEAE-cellulose under conditions of negative alpha-toxin sorption, changed during detoxication into toxoid whose immunogenicity exceeded that of manufactured preparations 3--4 fold. The toxoid was harmless and sorbed in a dose of 100 BU on 2--3 mg of aluminium hydroxide; stability of its antigenic properties and its yield was not less than those of manufactured toxoids. Perfringens toxoid prepared from highly purified alpha-toxoid was 10 times greater by immunogenicity than the manufactured preparation, and was sorbed on 1--2 mg of aluminium hydroxide.

[Immune response of mice of different inbred lines to Clostridium oedematiens anatoxin]

Mice belonging to a number of inbred strains were immunized intradermally with Cl. oedematiens alpha-toxoid. The immunization was repeated 30 days later. On the 20th and the 30th days after the first injection and on the 10th day after the second one the antibody level against the toxoid was determined in the blood of mice by the passive hemagglutination test. The maximum response to the primary immunization was observed in the mice of the C3H strain, and the minimum one--in mice of the DBA/2 strain; the difference was more than 30-fold. The rest of the strains used in the test (A,CBA, BALB/c, AKR, CC57BR) displayed an intermediate level of the immune response. The differences reduced after the repeated immunization. The immune response to this antigen in mice is supposed to be genetically controlled.

[Use of the passive hemagglutination test for the purpose of determining antibody levels following animal immunization with Cl. perfringens toxoid]

Data are presented on the study of possibilities of the application of the passive hemagglutination test for titration of the blood sera of mice, guinea pigs and rabbits immunized with Cl. perfringens toxoid. A diagnostic agent obtained by the sensitization of formalin- and tannin-treated sheep erythrocytes with the serologically pure toxoid, and homologous sera (as standard) were used in this test. A high immune response of BALB/c and C3H mice to the Cl. perfringens toxoid permits to suggest inbred mice as a model for the immunological and immunogenetic studies connected with this toxoid.