The influence of moderate-intensity physical effort on peripheral blood in adults with Down syndrome - a pilot study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a six-week aerobic training on peripheral blood in adults with Down syndrome. Fifteen men with Down syndrome (average age 22.4 years ± 0.91) with moderate or severe intellectual disability took part in the study. Patients underwent a training program three times a week for six weeks. Venous blood samples of 10 ml were collected from every examined patient, 24 hours before and after the exercise. The blood samples were submitted to hematological examination (hematocrit, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, red blood cell (RBC) number, RBC indicators: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)), reduced glutathione (GSH) level and number of macrocytes, polikilocytrometric examination of RBC and rheological blood examination (elongation index (EI), aggregation index (AI), syllectogram amplitude (AMP), aggregation half time (t1/2)) was made by LORCA. Amoderate six-week physical training performed on a cycloergometer resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the MCV value, hematocrit and plasma viscosity. The six-week cycloergometer training caused a statistically significant increase in the GSH level and erythrocyte pliability at a shear stress of 0.58 Pa.

Haematopoiesis in snakes (Ophidia) in early postnatal development

The occurrence of haematopoiesis has been studied in various parts of the spine and in the ribs in four species of snakes (Boa constrictor L., Elaphe guttata L., Lamprophis fulaginosus Boie., Bothrops jararaca Wied.) from hatching until 150 days of postnatal development. Marrow spaces are formed by chondrolysis with various time frames depending on the studied species. Marrow cells egress to the general circulation in two ways: via migration through the endothelial cells lining the venous sinuses or by the rupture of protrusions. Erythroblasts are present in the lumen of marrow sinuses suggesting their final maturation there. Various relationships of the spleen to the pancreas have been found. No myelopoietic foci occur in the spleen, liver or kidney of any of the studied species. However, erythropoiesis (sparse islets) has been observed in Bothrops jararaca spleen.

Hematopoiesis in snakes (Ophidia)

Locations of the hematopoietic tissue have been described in the following ophidian species: Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacusu, Waglerophis merremii, Elaphe teniura teniura, Boa constrictor, and Python reticulatus. Studies were carried out on perfusion fixed vertebrae, ribs, spleen, liver, thymus, and kidney. Routine histological technique was applied using both light and electron microscopy. Hematopoietic tissue was found in the following locations of the vertebrae: neural spine, neural arch, postzygophysis processes, hypapophysis, vertebral centre. Moreover, intense hematopoiesis was found inside the ribs. In the spleen and thymus, only lymphopoiesis was found. Hematopoietic islets in the spleen were sporadically found only in young specimens. No hematopoiesis was observed in the liver and kidney. In the studied species, there were no differences in the location of hematopoietic tissue. A new model of mature and immature blood cell release to the lumen of marrow sinuses different from that known to operate in higher vertebrates is proposed.

Haematopoiesis and a new mechanism for the release of mature blood cells from the bone marrow into the circulation in snakes (Ophidia)

This is the first description of haematopoiesis in snakes. Studies were carried out on the following species belonging to Ophidia: Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacusu, Waglerophis merremii, Elaphe taeniura taeniura, Boa constrictor,and Python reticulatus. Smears of the peripheral blood and histological preparations from the vertebrae, ribs, liver, and spleen were studied under a light and electron microscope. Myeloid cells were present in the following locations in the vertebrae: the neural spine, zygoapophysial processes, floor of the neural canal, lacunae in the bodies of vertebrae and also inside the ribs. Although the vascular system was well developed, especially around the ribs, vessels inside the marrow cavities were scarce, both in the ribs and elsewhere where haematopoiesis was found. Venous sinuses were well developed in the vertebrae and in the rib regions from their costal head towards the middle area. They consisted of one layer of fine endothelial cells. Mature cells in the process of migration into the general circulation were only sporadically encountered when venous sinuses were studied on perfusion-fixed specimens. In contrast, almost every sinus venosus contained protrusions directed towards the lumen, filled mostly with mature and immature blood cells. Various stages of their formation were seen in the cross sections of venous sinuses ranging from small, newly formed to large, elongated ones, filled with many fully developed and some maturing blood cells. In many cases the apices of the protrusions were ruptured, and mature blood cells, as well as a few immature ones, were seen in their vicinity. This observation led us to a new hypothesis that blood cells are released from the extravascular space into the lumen of venous sinuses. In snakes, these cells are released into the systemic circulation mainly via the rupture of protrusions filled with mature blood cells and, to a lesser degree, by transcytosis as known in mammals. In the spleens from young specimens, 1-2 foci of haematopoiesis were encountered where lymphopoiesis predominated. Haematopoiesis was not detected in the liver.

The activity of erythrocyte enzymes and basic indices of peripheral blood erythrocytes from workers chronically exposed to mercury vapours

The influence of occupational exposure to mercury vapours on the activity of the red cell enzymes [glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], as well as on peripheral blood indices [erythrocyte number (RBC), HCT, Hb, MCHC] and on serum concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC), was assessed. Studies were carried out on 46 men aged between 21 and 56 years (X = 39 +/- 10.4) exposed to mercury vapours during their work from 7 months to 32 years (= 14.7 +/- 10.8). The control group consisted of 35 healthy workers aged between 20 and 54 years (X = 33.6 +/- 9.8) not exposed to chemical nor physical agents. In both groups studied, there were 50% and 34.3% smokers, respectively. The activity of studied red cell enzymes--G-6PD, AChE, GR and SOD--was estimated according to the colorimetric methods described by Beutler and expressed as international units per gram of hemoglobin (IU g Hb(-1)). Peripheral blood cell parameters were determined using an automatic cell counter. The concentration of serum iron and TIBC was determined using colorimetric methods (Beckman), while that of ferritin and transferrin by nephelometric methods. The time-weighted average (TWA) of mercury concentration in the air determined before the study was 0.0028 mg m(-3). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using either the Cochran and Cox C-test or the Student's t-test. The medium mercury concentration in the urine was 77.44 +/- 48.15 microg l(-1). In the group exposed to mercury vapours, a significant decrease was found in G-6PD activity (23.9%, P<0.001), GR (18.8%, P<0.001), and SOD (5%, P<0.001) with a concomitant increase in AChE activity (35.9%, P<0.001) was found. Moreover, a statistically significant increase occurred in HCT and RBC, and a decrease in MCV and MCHC as well as increases of ferritin (130.9%, P<0.001), transferrin (118.4%, P<0.001) and TIBC (11.2%, P<0.05). Our results indicate that long-term exposure to mercury vapours induces changes in the activity of red cell enzymes--G-6PD, AChE, GR and SOD--and may also influence other important hematological parameters of the peripheral blood.

[Treatment of pseudoarthrosis of long bones by surgical stabilization and a transfer of in-vitro cultivated bone marrow interstitial cells]

The paper presents the results of surgical stabilization of pseudoarthrosis of long bone augmented by a transfer of in vitro cultivated bone marrow interstitium cells in 4 patients. In three cases a Zespol external fixation device was applied without opening the pseudoarthrosis. One patient was treated by open reduction of the bone fragments with the use of frozen spongiose bone grafts. The mean age of the patients was 30.2 years. In two cases the pseudoarthrosis had developed in the tibia, in the remaining two cases it developed in the ulna. The pseudoarthrosis was present for a mean time of 2.5 years. In all cases healing of the pseudoarthrosis was observed after a mean time of 3.7 months.

Rheological properties of red blood cells (including reticulocytes) in patients with chronic renal disease

Hemodialysis is a method of treatment of patients suffering from terminal renal disease and consists in removing uremic toxins from blood. The influence of hemodialysis on rheological properties of red blood cells was ascertained. We studied the deformability of RBC after density gradient separation of whole blood drawn from patients with renal disease before and after dialysis. The improvement in deformability of cells from the top layers was observed in postdialysis samples.

[Relationship between osteocalcin serum level and radiologic changes in long bone fracture healing--preliminary conclusions]

The osteocalcin serum level was monitored in 6 patients with long bone fracture. Immunohistochemical method was used at the day of fracture and also 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after. In 3 cases an autogenic bone marrow grafting was done and osteocalcin level was monitored. The progressive increase was observed in the 4th week after fracture.

Evaluation of granulation peripheral blood basophils in people exposed to industrial contaminants

The effect of industrial contaminants on the cytomorphometry of basophils was studied. A statistically significant difference in the densification of cytoplasmic granules of basophils was observed in people exposed to pollutants compared to people from less contaminated areas. No differences in cell area, nucleus area, or cytoplasm size were found among the tested groups.

Emperipolesis of marrow cells within megakaryocytes in the bone marrow of sublethally irradiated mice

The incidence of megakaryocytic emperipolesis was studied in the bone marrow of normal and X-irradiated mice. Two groups of mice received total body irradiation with a single dose of 5 Gy and one of the two groups had been treated with a radioprotective drug, ethiofos (WR-2721), before irradiation. Mice from a third group remained unexposed to irradiation and served as controls. The Wright-Giemsa stained bone marrow smears were analyzed every 5 days during a 30-day period, starting 1 day after irradiation. The number of megakaryocytes exhibiting the phenomenon was determined and expressed as an average value for every experimental group. The frequency of megakaryocytic emperipolesis was less than 15% of megakaryocytes from control smears but increased to 34% in mice that had only been irradiated and to 43% when mice were treated with WR-2721 before irradiation. In the last case, i.e., irradiation and treatment with a radioprotective drug, a positive correlation between the macrocytic megakaryocytes and elevated emperipolesis was noted. Under light microscopy, there were no signs of phagocytosis; engulfed cells remained unaltered with their normal structure intact. Granulocytic, erythroid, and lymphoid cells appeared to be the most frequent marrow cells engulfed by mature megakaryocytes. The number of incorporated cells in one megakaryocyte ranged from 1 to 3, though occasionally more than 6 were seen in macrocytic megakaryocytes. Based on our findings and on a review of the associated literature, we believe emperipolesis is an interesting cellular phenomenon related to the fast passage of marrow cells across the marrow-blood barrier, especially through the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes in response to an increased demand for cell delivery. The high demand for cell delivery which occurs after irradiation may cause certain mature bone marrow cells to take a transmegakaryocyte path to enter the circulation of the blood. Irradiation seems to have an immediate effect (observed after 24 h) on emperipolesis, suggesting that a humoral factor is involved in the pathogenesis.

Effect of small doses of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether on the acetylcholinesterase and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in erythrocytes, blood and bone marrow of rats

The effect of small doses of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME) on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) in erythrocytes and whole blood as well as on the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) in blood and bone marrow was studied in Wistar rats. Significant reduction in the activity of both enzymes was noted three days after ip administration of 200 mg/kg b.w. EGMME whereas seven days later the activity of both enzymes returned to the control levels. Activity of ALA-D in blood appeared to be most sensitive to EGMME, and reacted even to the lowest dose, which did not significantly alter activity of ACHE or ALA-D in bone marrow. Haematological parameters in all treated groups remained unaltered.

Inhibition of delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity by aluminum

1. Studies were performed regarding the effects of aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate in concentrations of 5 mg/kg of body weight on the delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, iron level and hematological parameters. Wistar rats were exposed to these pollutants for 10, 20, 40 and 80 days. 2. The results demonstrated that aluminum chloride was more toxic than aluminum nitrate and both treatments brought about significant changes in these parameters in Wistar rats bone marrow. 3. The toxic effects of aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate are manifested by a significant decrease of delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the bone marrow of rats. 4. The iron level in bone marrow with aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate gradually dropped after 10, 20, 40 and 80 days of intoxication. 5. In the peripheral blood a significant decrease in the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit value and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were also found in experimental animals.

Bone healing after bone marrow stromal cell transplantation to the bone defect

In experimental studies on rabbits, osteogenic properties of stromal cells were confirmed after in vitro growth for 7 and 14 d. The cell suspension was percutaneously transplanted into a surgically produced bone defect in the rabbit's radius. The bone scar produced was X-rayed, and histologically and mineralogically examined after 10, 20 and 40 d follow-ups. Differences in the bone defect healing process (the healing rate and the type of bone tissue produced) were shown between the experimental and the control foreleg. Within the experimental foreleg, healing was considerably accelerated with compact bone formation on a membranous matrix, whilst in the control foreleg, a coarse, fibrous woven bone on a cartilaginous matrix was dominant.

Effect of haemodialysate and its peptide fractions on lactate dehydrogenase activity in erythrocytes from healthy subjects and patients with end-stage renal disease

The effect of haemodialysate and its 3 peptide fractions on lactate dehydrogenase activity in erythrocytes was studied in patients treated by repeated haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease and in healthy subjects. Erythrocytes from dialyzed patients showed significantly lower LDH activity than those from healthy subjects. After a 3-h incubation with haemodialysate (675 and 450 micrograms protein/ml), or its peptide fraction III (270 and 190 micrograms protein/ml), a significant inhibition of LDH activity was observed. On the other hand, neither haemodialysate nor its peptide fractions inhibited LDH activity in red blood cells from patients with end-stage renal disease treated by repeated haemodialysis.

Metabolism of red blood cells after short-term exercise in rats

The aim of this study was to determine the changes of the basic parameters of the erythrocyte system and the activity of some red blood cell (RBC) enzymes prior to and after a single physical effort leading to exhaustion. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats subjected to running on an electric rotating drum at a speed of 25 m/min. A single exercise caused a decrease in the RBC count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) by 21.9, 16.7 and 16.1%, respectively, and an increase in the reticulocyte count (Ret) by 661.5%. The exercise triggered also changes in the activities of some erythrocytic enzymes: pyruvate kinase (PK) activity increased by 12.4%, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by 37.8%, glutathione reductase (GR) by 30.8% and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by 248.7%. These increases in the activities of RBC enzymes can be explained by an increase in the red cells turn-over.

In vitro patterns of enzymic tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.3) expression in bone marrow stromal cells

The toxicity of antifolate drug therapy on microenvironmental function of hemopoietic marrow stromal cells may be critical enough to justify the development of a simple cell culture model to appraise the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)/tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.3) (4HFDH) enzymic system in individual stromal cells. The localization and pattern of expression of 4HFDH/DHFR in cultured bone marrow stromal cells were studied in situ in morphologically identifiable cells. The 4HFDH/DHFR expression varies quantitatively and qualitatively according to cell types and thus constitutes specific phenotypic patterns for fibroblastic stromal cells, endothelial cells, monocyte-macrophages, and osteoclast-like cells. Data indicate a good correlation between the labeling of the enzymic expression and the resistance of cells to methotrexate treatment. This conclusion is also supported by similar features shown by cell sublines bearing multiple DHFR gene copies. Levels of 4HFDH/DHFR expression in marrow stromal cells should provide useful markers underlining the effects of cytostatic drugs used in chemotherapy (for example, methotrexate injuries or resistance). The method can be applied to isolated cells, stromal colonies (fibroblast CFU), or whole adherent layers from marrow cultures. Moreover, with this method, enzymic reactions can be carried out in situ and visual correlations between a supportive microenvironment (hemopoietic foci) and the 4HFDH/DHFR levels on the stromal adherent layer are possible.

The effect of intrarenal nickel subsulfide injections upon the activity of selected erythrocyte and bone marrow enzymes in rats

The experiments were carried out on Wistar rats. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1: control group; Group 2: the animals received a single intrarenal dose of nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) in saline; Group 3: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of saline; Group 4: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of Ag2S in saline; Group 5: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of activated charcoal in saline. Prior to the procedure peripheral blood indices were determined. The experiments included animals manifesting polycythemia. Samples of blood and bone marrow were collected and the activities of AchE, GR and G6PD were determined. An increase in the activity of the three studied enzymes was detected in Groups no. 2 and 5.

The activity of erythrocyte enzymes in rats subjected to running exercises

The studies were carried out on male Wistar rats subjected to running within an electric rotating drum. The animals were divided into four experimental groups, differing one from another as to the duration of training. Each training session lasted 30 days. In the first group the daily run lasted 3 min, in the second group 5 min; in the third group, a 1 min run on the first day, and one min longer on each successive day; in the fourth group a 2 min run on the first day and for two min longer on each successive day. The determinations made prior to and after training included the peripheral blood erythrocyte (Er) and reticulocyte (Ret.) count, the hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) and, determined by spectrophotometric methods, the activity of pyruvate kinase (PK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Training induced an improvement of all enzymatic activities. The heavier the physical exertion, the more intensive was the enzymatic activity of red blood cells, due to the intensification of bone marrow erythropoetic activity under physical exertion and the appearance of young red cells in peripheral blood. All the experimental groups revealed a drop in erythrocyte count (Er), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and hematocrit values (PCV), as well as an increase in the reticulocytes count (Ret) and in the activity of all the enzymes investigated. In the fourth group anemia was detected: prolonged endurance training decreased the RBC by 24.2%, Hb by 31.1%, PCV by 26.2% and increased the reticulocyte count by 881.6%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bone marrow cyclic nucleotides (cAMP, cGMP) in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia

The studies were carried out on male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: control and experimental. The hematocrit value and reticulocyte count were determined in blood samples collected from control and experimental rats. The experimental rats received subcutaneous injections of phenylhydrazine manufactured by Sigma for the duration of 3 days. On the 5th day blood samples were collected from all the control and experimental animals and determinations of hematocrit and reticulocyte count were repeated. cAMP levels were determined in bone marrow extracts by means of a radiocompetitive method. The cGMP level was determined by a radioimmunological assay. A significant elevation of cAMP level was detected in experimental rats, whereas the cGMP level changed only slightly.

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in rat bone marrow

The localization of adenylate cyclase (AC) in rat bone marrow was studied at the ultrastructural level using a cytochemical technique with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as substrate. The strongest precipitate occurred around cytoplasmic membranes of cells of granulocytic lineage. Around cells of erythrocytic lineage, as well as megakaryocytes, lymphocytes and the plasma cells, the granules resulting from the cytochemical reaction revealed various degrees of density. The region within the bone marrow tissue where the cells manifested an increased reaction product was called 'reaction fields'. Most often the 'reaction fields' were formed by maturing cells of the granulocytic and erythrocytic lineages, surrounding the reticular cells. The reaction precipitate was also apparent around the advential and endothelial cells of the sinuses. Mature cells migrating from the bone marrow space to the sinus lumen also showed an intensified reaction product. The causes of such localization of AC were discussed.

Experimental model of chronic pancreatic fistula in dogs

The authors performed a chronic pancreatic fistula in the dog by a modified method of Herrera et al. in which one of the arms of a metal cannula is introduced into the stomach instead of the duodenum. This technique protects the duodenum, the main source of hormones acting on the pancreas in the digestive tract, from surgical trauma and its consequences. The duodenum is anastomosed end-to-end and the continuity of the digestive tract is restored. The model can next be used to study the action of drugs on the exocrine function of the pancreas.

The effect of molybdenum upon blood serum enzymatic ceruloplasmin activity in rats

Experiments were carried out on 61 male and female Wistar rats. Following 21-day intraperitoneal administration of molybdenum (Na2MoO4 X 2H2O), significant differences in the level of blood serum ceruloplasmin were noted in female rats depending upon the applied dose of molybdenum. In analogous groups of male rats no statistically significant differences were observed, which might indicate that the effect of molybdenum upon enzymatic ceruloplasmin activity is sex-related. The rats on an increased dietary level of 14 ppm molybdenum, of 10.8 ppm copper content and 507 ppm inorganic sulphur, showed decreased blood serum ceruloplasmin activity irrespective of their sex.

Do changes in bone marrow pressure contribute to the egress of cell from bone marrow?

Pressure was measured in the femoral medullary cavity of rabbits whose femoral muscles were subjected to electrostimulation. After electrostimulation the pressure in the medullary cavity increased fivefold. In groups of experimental animals the number of reticulocytes leaving the bone marrow and the number of reticulocytes in the peripheral blood were determined and it was observed that electrostimulation was followed by a severalfold rise in the amount of reticulocytes in both the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. The authors found that a great role in the egress of reticulocytes from the bone marrow into the circulation is played by regulation of the pressure in medullary cavity effected by changes in blood flow through the bone marrow.