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Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent which blocks plasmin-mediated fibrin degradation. It is used in surgery to reduce intra-operative and post-operative blood loss. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of tranexamic acid administration on blood loss after elective primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty.A total of 119 patients (50 men, 69 women) with an average age of 69.2 years were included. The patients were randomised into two groups: Group A received a single dose of tranexamic acid (Exacyl, 1.5 g i.v.) before the operation; Group B (control) did not receive any antifibrinolytic agent. All patients underwent surgery under spinal anaesthesia with a tourniquet applied to the operated leg. The intra-operative blood loss, post-operative blood loss based on drainage, pre- and post-operative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit, and the number of administered blood transfusions were analysed.The administration of tranexamic acid led to a reduction in post-operative blood loss at all intervals tested, including the total blood loss (504 ± 214 vs 815 ± 231 ml; p0.001), and to reduced requirements for blood transfusion (1.18 ± 0.51 vs 1.54 ± 0.84 transfusion units; p0.05). A similar effect was observed in the subgroups of men and women; the total blood loss was higher in men than in women in both group B (non-significant) and group A (p0.05) patients. There was a gradual decline in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels during the post-operative period, with no significant differences between the two groups. Nor were there any differences in intra-operative blood losses either. No severe complications such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolic disease were recorded. DISCUSSION The administration of tranexamic acid before the application of a tourniquet resulted in reducing post-operative, but not intra-operative, blood losses in patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty. Transfusion requirements were reduced as well.Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid administration in relation to blood loss after total knee arthroplasty. In this indication, the administration is in accordance with the literature data.

To evaluate the influence of entry hemoglobin level on the hospitalization mortality of the patients admitted with AHF caused by 4 major etiologies--acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation (STEMI, n = 325) and without ST elevation (nonSTEMI, n = 210), decompensated chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD, n = 206) and dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP, n = 88).We analyzed 1,253 consecutive 1st-time hospitalizations of AHF patients of whom 1,212 had their entry hemoglobin known. Out of these, 829 subjects were of STEMI (1), nonSTEMI (2), IHD (3) and CMP (4) etiology and were included in further analyses. We devided these patients into subgroups according to hemoglobin levels: I--no anemia, II--minor and III--severe anemia. The hospitalization mortality in subgroups (I-II-III) of each etiology was 16.9-24.5-35.3% (1); 12.4-9.8-35.7% (2); 9.0-9.7-18.2% (3); 1.5-21.4-33.3% (4); all etiologies together 12.4-15.0-28.8%, total rate 14.1%. Univariate analysis (chi2) showed significant differencies in hospitalization mortality depending on etiology and hemoglobin level but not type of failure (de novo/decompensation). Other parametres (comorbidities, laboratory and hemodynamic values, medication at entry) had a very variable impact on mortality throughout etiologies and hemoglobin subgroups.The presence of anemia increases hospitalization mortality of patients with acute heart failure. The relation between hemoglobin level and mortality seems to be linear, we did not observe "U shape" type of relation. It is necessary to distinguish etiologies of AHF as well as consider effects of laboratory and anamnestic variables when interpreting the results.

Aim of the study was to investigate connection between the level CA125, level of haemoglobin and emergence of recurrence and survival time for patients with ovarian cancer.This concerns of retrospective study in which total 53 patients with histology confirmed ovarian cancer were included. These patients were diagnosed and subsequently treated in the GPK FN MU Brno during 2000-2002 period.The level of CA125 in our study appeared to be statistically significant prognostic factor (beta = 0.44, p = 0.02) for survival. Signification of the plasma level of haemoglobin to be any prognostic factor was not proved in this study. Among other assessed factors influencing survival time of the patients was the number of gravidity to be important prognostic factor (beta = -0.96, p = 0.002). Survival time was shorter for patients with less number of pregnancies.Ovarian cancer is tumour with high mortality. That is why it is necessary to look for new markers, which would contribute to earlier diagnostic of this disease, and which could influence its prognosis.

To evaluate the utilisation measurements of peak systolic velocities in the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV) to predict the degree of fetal anemia and to find out whether implementation of MCA-PSV into management of pregnancies at risk for fetal anemia enable to reduce the number of invasive procedures.A prospective study.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medical Genetics and Fetal Medicine, Neonatology Department, University Hospital, Olomouc.In 81 pregnancies at risk for fetal anemia MCA-PSV had been assessed and fetal blood sampling for measurement of hemoglobin concentration was obtained subsequently, either by cordocentesis or at delivery. The values of MCA-PSV and hemoglobin concentration were expressed as multiples of median (MoM). Anemia was defined as mild (hemoglobin0.84 MoM) for a given gestational age, moderate (hemoglobin0.65 MoM), and severe (hemoglobin0.55 MoM). The number of cordocenteses performed in previous conventional management of pregnacies at risk for fetal anemia was compared with management by Doppler measurement of MCA-PSV.313 examinations were performed at 17-38 week's gestation. An MCA-PSV1.5 MoM detected 100% of severly anemic fetuses with a hemoglobin concentration0,65 MoM that required invasive intervention. In 27 cases a cordocentesis was performed and intrauterine blood transfusion was given alternatively. Remaining fetuses did not require invasive intrauterine intervention and no or mild hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia were diagnosed after delivery. Overall sensitivity to detect moderate to severe anemia (hemoglobin0.65 MoM for a given gestational age) was 100%. Specificity was 92%, positive predictive value was 60% and negative predictive value was 100%. One false positive case was identified after 35 weeks. In 2002 at least one cordocentesis was performed in all pregnancies at risk for fetal anemia 100%, in 2003 78%, in 2004 20% and in 2005 20%. At least one cordocentesis with intrauterine blood transfusion was required by only 24% of all fetuses at risk for fetal anemia. The other fetuses 76% (34/45) didn't require intrauterine transfusion.Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity is a highly sensitive non-invasive means for determining the degree of fetal anemia and implementation of MCA-PSV into management of pregnancies at risk for fetal anemia enable to reduce the number of invasive procedures. This parameter should not yet be considered the global standard of care for diagnosis of fetal anemia because incorrect use by an unexperienced operator may cause more harm than good. However, if there is a reasonably close medical center with sonographers tranined to assess the MCA-PSV, patients at risk for fetal anemia should be reffered to this center.

Test of occult fecal blood loss belongs to the basic diagnostic procedures in gastroenterology. That examination is introductory method for screening, diagnosis and dispensarization of patients with colorectal cancer. Most frequently used tests in practice are biochemical and immunochemical tests. The aim of the study was to compare the results and clinical contribution of both kinds of tests.The results of immunochemical test Immocare (Care Diagnostica) and biochemical test Haemoccult (Röhm Pharma) were compared in a group of 253 patients (131 women, 122 men, average age 52.6 yr, range 19-88 yr). In all patients total coloscopy was subsequently performed. Sensitivity of immunochemical test was clearly higher (61.2%) than of biochemical test (29.4%), specificity was slight lower (95%, resp. 98%). Accuracy of Immocare test was also higher (82% than 72% of Haemoccult).Our results confirm advantages and competency of Haemoccult test for screening and dispensary programmes. More expensive and more difficult Immocare test is suitable for examination of symptomatic or risk patients.

Serum leptin levels are significantly increased in hemodialysed patients compared to healthy subjects. There are some data suggesting the possible relationship of leptin and the regulation of haematopoiesis. The aim of our study was to compare serum leptin levels in two groups of hemodialysed patients: the group treated by recombinant human erythropoietin (n = 40) (HD + EPO), the group without erythropoietin treatment (HD) and the control group of healthy subjects (n = 20) to explore the influence of erythropoietin treatment on serum leptin levels.The tendency towards lower body fat content and higher serum leptin levels was found in both groups of HD patients compared to control group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance due to high variability of those parameters (leptinu levels: HD 19.5 +/- 18.5, HD + EPO 24.9 +/- 23.3, K 10.4 +/- 8.8 ng.ml-1). The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels in both groups of HD patients were significantly lower than in control group. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in HD patients treated by erythropoietin compared to untreated HD group. The leptin/body fat content ratio was significantly higher in HD patients compared to healthy subjects (HD 0.86 +/- 0.72, HD + EPO 0.92 +/- 0.78, K 0.35 +/- 0.21, p0.05). Serum leptin levels in all studied groups correlated positively with body fat content and negatively with erythrocyte count. No significant relationships of serum leptin levels to erythropoietin levels or other parameters studied were found in any of groups.Our study further supported the fact that serum leptin levels in HD patients are relatively higher than in healthy subjects. Serum leptin levels in HD patients treated by recombinant human erythropoietin did not significantly differ from HD patients without this treatment. Except of the negative correlation between serum leptin levels and the erythrocyte count no statistically significant relationships of serum leptin levels and the blood count parameters were found.

In the foetus in utero predominates a considerable percentage of immunologically so-called naive lymphocytes of the T and B series. The objective of the presented work was to assess by means of flow cytometry and labelled monoclonal antibodies quantitative changes in cell sub-populations of the foetal immune system before the foetus is altered by severe heamolysis as a result of Rh(D) isoimmunization.The authors obtained by intrauterine puncture of the umbilical cord peripheral blood from 10 foetuses with isoimmunization during the 23rd-35th week of gestation, confirmed by the direct Coombs test and with a mean haematocrit value of 30.8% +/- 8.02. These findings were compared with values in the peripheral blood stream in a control group of 35 foetuses during the 18th-39th week of pregnancy with normal intrauterine development (haematocrit 34.2% +/- 5.87). The authors assessed the haemogram and CD signs in the lymphocyte population.In the peripheral bloodstream of foetuses with erythrocyte isoimmunization the authors did not detect, as compared with the control group (p0.01), a lower haemoglobin level (10.6 +/- 2.77 g/dl vs. 11.9 +/- 2.03 g/dl) a lower haematocrit (30.8% +/- 8.02 vs. 34.2% +/- 5.87) and fewer leucocytes 5.1 +/- 2.39 x 10(9)/l versus 6.97 +/- 3.29 x 10(9)/l. In foetuses with Rh(D) isoimmunization the authors found a higher percentage of T(CD3+) lymphocytes (79.0% +/- 11.23 vs. 73.7% +/- 12.79, but did not prove an increase of activated T lymphocytes (%DR+ from CD3+) (1.0% +/- 0.52 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.58). The percentage ratio of T helper cells (CD+) was higher than in the control group (61.0% +/- 10.25 vs. 56.1% +/- 12.45). In foetuses with Rh(D) isoimmunization there was no difference in the ratio of CD8 positive cells (24.1% +/- 8.23 vs. 23.6% +/- 7.26). Suppressor T cells (CD8+CD11b+) were fewer (4.1% +/- 1.24 vs. 7.5 +/- 11.23) than in the control group. The number of NK cells in foetuses with Rh(D) isoimmunization was 5.1% +/- 3.26 vs. 6.9% +/- 3.86, in isoimmunized foetuses there is a higher ratio of so-called naive T helper cells Th1 (CD4+ CD45 RA+) 49.3% +/- 12.71 vs. 43.0% +/- 12.88. When assessing naive B1 cells (CD19+CD5+), the authors did not find a difference between the two groups (10.4% +/- 6.20 vs. 9.06% +/- 12.1). The ratio of CD4: CD8 in the group with isoimmunization was higher than in the control group (3.1 +/- 1.39 vs. 2.5 +/- 1.13).In isoimmunized foetuses in the initial stages of haemolysis no detactable immune response with significant changes in the lymphocyte sub-populations was found.

The efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been confirmed in several clinical trials. We report our experience of r-HuEPO treatment in 5 myeloma patients with renal failure. The therapy with r-HuEPO (Eprex, Janssen-Cilag or Recormon, Boehringer, Mannheim) was started after 4-8 months from diagnosis, the drug was administered intravenously (in one patient subcutaneously after cessation of hemodialysis treatment), two or three times weekly. The initial doses were 4-12,000 units/week (mean 8,400). In all patients good response during the first month of therapy was observed. Median Hb and hematocrit increased from 70 g/l and 20.8% to 87 g/l and 26% after 1 month and to 105 g/l and 30.3% after 4-6 months, respectively. The need for blood transfusion decreased significantly--from 2.72 TU/month to 0.13 TU/month. WHO performance status and patients self-assessment of quality of live improved substantially after r-HuEPO. No serious adverse events, including hypertension and/or thromboembolic events were observed. In accordance with some previous reports we conclude r-HuEPO is effective and safe treatment in patients with MM and renal failure. Moreover, lower doses of growth factor could be effective in this particular group of patients.

Chronic renal failure is associated with anaemia and a large percentage of patients is indicated for erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment. The degree of anaemia depends also on the quality of substitution of renal function. The objective of the present study was to assess whether transfer of patients from haemodialysis (HD) to acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) will influence the anaemia and rHuEPO consumption.Anaemia and rHuEPO consumption were investigated in 10 patients in a stabilized condition with regular dialyzation treatment. The patients suffered from corrected anaemia on a maintenance dose of rHuEPO. During AFB (follow-up period one year) the rHuEPO consumption declined as compared with the condition during HD, while the target haemoglobin level (95-110 g/l) was maintained. The easier control of anaemia during AFB was not due to a change of iron saturation, the aluminium level or a change of the residual blood volume in the dialyzer. During AFB metabolic acidosis was controlled more effectively, the elimination of urea and beta-2-microglobulin increased.During AFB, as compared with HD, the rHuEPO consumption declines sufficiently to correct anaemia. The authors conclude that one of the reasons may be the more effective control of metabolic acidosis and elimination of uraemic toxins with a low or medium molecular weight. The authors discuss also other factors which affect anaemia during treatment of renal failure by extracorporcal clearing methods.

In a group of 15 patients after the first transplantation of a cadaverous kidney the authors monitored for the period of one month the serum erythropoietin concentration (Epo), haemoglobin levels (Hb), the haematocrit (Ht) and serum creatinine (Cr). The objective of the investigation was to evaluate in relation to serum concentrations of Epo and the function of the graft. Erythropoietin was examined by the authors own method before and after transplantation during the first 10 days daily and then on the 12th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th day. Normal values are 22-44 mU/ml. The mean Epo value before transplantation was 41.9 +/- 18.8 mU/ml. After transplantation the highest mean value of Epo was recorded on the second day when it reached a value of 102.8 +/- 144 mU/ml. The mean Epo serum concentration at the end of the study was 45.9 +/- 20.9 mU/ml and did not differ significantly from values recorded before transplantation. Between Hb and Ht values and Epo serum concentrations no correlation was revealed. Conversely, statistical analysis revealed a close inverse relationship between the drop of creatininaemia and the rise of Hb and Ht values. From the results of the investigation ensues that the decisive condition for the onset of the erythropoietic response after renal transplantation is adjustment of the milieu interiéur, induced by the restored excretory function of the graft which creates prerequisites for a normal response of the bone marrow to Epo.

The results are presented of hematological examinations of turkeys during fattening. A total of 60 clinically healthy turkeys of hybrid combination XK were examined, on days 1, 35, 94 of age both in female and male turkeys and on day 108 of age in male turkeys that were fattened to higher live weight. Tabs. I-IV show the results of hematological examinations including statistical data. The results document numerous variations in the values of hematological indicators with the growing age of fattened turkeys. Particularly some indicators of the red blood component showed a statistically significant increase in their average values (Por = 0.01) with the growing age of turkey chicks: hemoglobin content increased from 84.47 milligrams to 106.34 milligrams, hematocrit value from 0.32 l/l to 0.36 l/l. No such relations were demonstrated in other indicators of the red blood component under investigation. Their average values in turkeys fluctuated within definite limits: from 1.82 to 2.54 T/l in total erythrocyte counts, from 25.22 to 30.48% in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, from 39.58 to 46.62 pg in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and from 136.82 to 184.80 fl mean corpuscular volume. There were no significant differences between the males and the females in the particular indicators of the red blood picture. Unlike the red blood picture, the indicators of the white blood picture show much higher variability. In spite of the relatively high variability no relationships between their levels and turkey age or sex were demonstrated for the total leucocyte counts nor for the different types of leucocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The authors discuss parameters characterizing the oxygen metabolism and their clinical impact: Partial oxygen pressure in arterial and mixed venous blood, lactate and new parameters derived from direct assessment of haemoglobin saturation with oxygen in arterial blood. Oxygen extraction tension (px): partial oxygen pressure in mixed venous blood at which 2.3 mmol oxygen are released from one litre of blood. Extractable oxygen (cx): the amount of oxygen released from on litre of blood when the partial oxygen pressure drops to 5.0 kPa. Oxygen compensation factor (Qx): it is the factor that cardiac output should increase to maintain a normal mixed venous p O2 of 5.0 kPa. Effective haemoglobin: haemoglobin participating in oxygen transmission which determines the oxygen capacity of blood for oxygen. Half the haemoglobin saturation (p50): characterizing the haemoglobin affinity for oxygen and corresponding to the shape and position of the haemoglobin saturation curve. Pulmonary shunts. Advantages, pitfalls and limitations of the mentioned parameters are given.

Administration of 1 mg testosterone propionate to neonate mice of both sexes on the 4th day after birth causes marked and prolonged changes in some parameters of the immune and hormonal system. At the age of one month the oestradiol level in males and females is markedly elevated, but not the testosterone level. There is a marked increase in the metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages stimulated by zymosan and at the same time also in the percentage of cells phagocytizing inert HEMA particles. There was a marked increase in the amount of haemoglobin in females and of the bone marrow cellularity (in particular in males). Obviously also changes in cell differentiation occur, the ratio of different cell types in the peripheral blood stream changes. There is a decline of neutrophil granulocytes with a divided nucleus (in particular in males, where also the number of lymphocytes rises). The cell-mediated immune response is also altered as the graft response to the host is more intense. The humoral immunity against T-dependent antigen is also affected. The titre of IgG antibodies is reduced and the titre of IgM antibodies elevated. The results are discussed, but so far it is difficult to decide whether the observed changes of the immune system are primary, i.e. directly induced by testosterone, or whether they are secondary, i.e. induced by an elevated testosterone level.

Treatment of anaemia with human recombinant erythropoietin (r-Hu EPO) substantially improves the quality of life of patients receiving regular dialysis treatment. The positive effect on the nutritional state of patients during r-Hu EPO treatment is not accepted unequivocally so far. The authors followed-up 9 patients (6 men and 3 women) who had regular dialysis treatment, and suffered from severe anaemia. The patients were treated for 12 months with r-Hu EPO (preparation Eprex Cilagd Co.) with an initial dose of 30 mu/kg 3x per week by s.c. route with a target haemoglobin (Hb) value of 90-100 g/l. Before treatment during the 6th and 12th month of treatment the basic nutritional parameters of the patients were followed up. In the course of the investigation the Hb level (x +/- SD) increased from 61 +/- 12 g/l to 98 +/- 8 g/l, p0.01. On comparison of the nutritional parameters before treatment and after 12 months of treatment with r-Hu EPO the authors recorded rising trends in the patients' body weight (kg) from 67.4 +/- 12.2 to 68.4 +/- 11.2 (n.s.), an increase of the skinfold thickness above the triceps brachii muscle (mm) from 8.6 +/- 5.8 to 9.8 +/- 4.3 (n.s.), a decline of skin reactivity to diphtheric antigen (mm) from 2.1 +/- 2.8 to 1.8 +/- 0.8 (n.s.), a rising trend of reactivity to Candida antigen (mm) from 2.9 +/- 2.2 to 3.9 +/- 2.4 (n.s.), to diphtheric antigen from 3.0 +/- 3.3 to 5.1 +/- 3.8 (n.s.), a rise of the transferrin level (g/l) from 2.5 +/- 0.3 to 2.8 +/- 1.3 (n.s.), a rise of serum urea (mmol/l) from 25.7 +/- 3.6 to 32.5 +/- 9.5 (n.s.), a rise of Mullen's nutritional index from 21.8 +/- 15.5 to 22.3 +/- 24.7 (n.s.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In four unrelated families of Czech and Slovak origin two nonsense dominant beta-thalassaemic alleles (CD 121 (G-T); CD 112 (T-A)) and in one family simple substitution in codon 115 (GCC-GAC) or alpha 2 beta 2 115 (G17) Ala-Asp HB-Hradec Králové were identified. Mutations in codons 112 and 115 were described for the first time. Phenotypic manifestation of beta-thal. intermedia was revealed in three families with CD 121 (G-T) and in a family with a mutation in CD 112, but the phenotypic manifestations differed markedly in individual subjects. Heinz bodies were detected in erythrocytes of the peripheral blood in two families. An exact explanation of phenotypic deviations in patients with the same mutation even within the same family were not obtained even in studies of alpha genes and the promoter area of the beta gene. The unstable variant of Hb-Hradec Králové is manifested in the mother and daughter by haemolytic anaemia with some traits of beta-thal. The authors discuss contemporary findings from the pathophysiology of recessive and dominant beta-thal. mutations and explain some of the phenotypic consequences. A relatively high incidence of dominant beta-thal. mutations in the Czech and Slovak Republic (4 of 12 families known world wide with a nonsense beta-thal. mutation in the 3rd exon) is explained by the absence of selective preference of these mutations in malaria infested areas as a result of serious clinical manifestations in heterozygotes. The haplotype in one of the families suggests a de novo origin of the mutation in CD 121.

Seventy-three healthy dogs of the German Shepherd breed were tested for working out broader haematological standards. The red and white blood picture includes 14 parameters on the whole, all of them being obtained from dogs aged 6.5 to 7 years. The statistically evaluated results are always processed for such a number of animals to secure 95% reliability and due accuracy and generalizing ability of the results. In the mentioned haematological values, no differences concerning the influence of age were demonstrated statistically. The haematological standards, worked out during the study, are regarded as fully applicable to clinical laboratory diagnostics and prognostics in veterinary cynology and for the clinical physiology of dogs.

In six animals hunted and four immobilized animals of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) of both sexes and of different age, kept at three game preserves in Bohemia, the psychological values were ascertained: the number of erythrocytes and leucocytes, the hemoglobin content, the hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, the white blood count, the total serum protein, the fractions: albumin, alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin, the activity of SGOT, and SGPT, the alkaline phosphatase and the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the blood serum. The blood from the heart shortly after killing of the animal was examined, and in immobilized animals the blood was taken from the vena jugularis. In the red deer, a variable intensity of the polyvalent infection of parasites of the species Dictyocaulus viviparus, Bicalulus sagittatus, Fascioloides magna, Paramphistomum spec., Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, O. circumcincta, Trichostrongylus axei, Nematodirus filicollis, Chabertia ovina, and Trichocephalus globulosa was found. In the immobilized deer no marked deviations were found in the examined values of blood that had been taken within 10 minutes after the calming of the animals.

Blood parameters were studied in two groups of horses in the "Velká Pardubická" steeple-chase in 1974, 1975 and 1976. After the race, the levels of lactate showed a manifold increase; an increase was also ascertained in the levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, haemoglobin, in the haematocrit value and in the number of erythrocytes. The following parameters significantly dropped: the levels of acid-base balance - pH, base excess, bicarbonate levels. It was proved that the values of the same parameters in horses during training were incomparably lower. It is advisable to examine horses thoroughly during training and to use the results of training for the evaluation of their condition before difficult races.

Twelve calves of the Red Spotted breed and its crossbreds born by first-calvers, kept in a large-capacity stable of a dairy farm, were subject to the study of the ontogenetic development of the values of the blood picture from birth up to the 10th day of age. The erythrocyte and leucocyte count, the packed cell volume and the relative and absolute number of neutrophils reached the significantly highest levels in calves before drinking the colostrum. The amount of haemoglobin, MCV and MCHC reached the highest values on the first day after birth. The values of the red blood picture decreased in the first week of life and reached the minimum on the tenth day. The leucocyte count decreased during the first to second day after birth, the decrease being due to a drop of the absolute number of neutrophils, and on the tenth day the leucocyte count returned to its initial value. Neutrophils prevailed in the peripheral blood of new-born calves whereas lymphocytes prevailed in the peripheral blood from the fourth day of life on. The amount of cosinophiles in the peripheral blood of the calves was about 0.5% up to the fourth day; on the seventh day it exceeded 1%. The relative number of monocytes was at its minimum level just after birth and showed a significant increase during the second to fourth day.

The dynamics of 38 biochemical parameters of blood, serum and urine was studied in ten heifers during their oestrous cycle in a light house (80-340 lux) and a dark small house (10-40 lux). In the light stable a significant influence (P less than 0.05) was found to be exerted on five parameters and in the dark stable nine parameters, four being influenced in the same way in both houses: haematocrit value and haemoglobin in blood and cholesterol and progesterone in serum; the relationship of progesterone content in serum to the days of oestrous cycle was particularly high in the light house. The comparison of the parameters between the groups demonstrated a significant (P less than 0.05) influence of light regime, exerted on some days of the oestrous cycle upon the levels of inorganic phosphorus, total protein and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) in serum and upon haematocrit, haemoglobin and ketone bodies in the blood of heifers. However, the light regime did not influence the levels of progesterone which were somewhat higher in the light house but with no statistically significant difference from the dark house. A significant difference between the groups was obtained in the levels of sodium and phosphorus in urine (P less than 0.05) between the first and tenth days of the oestrous cycle. No differences in the oestrous cycle between the heifers in the light and dark stables were recorded. Neither was the duration of heat influenced significantly; it was only less manifest in the dark stable.

Human serum haemopexine together with albumin participates in the removal of haemoglobin released into the circulation during intravascular haemolysis by a haeme bond and in its transport into parenchymal liver cells.

Blood was sampled by heart puncture from healthy male coypus of ten age categories (from 1 to 300 days). The basic haematological values of the red blood picture were determined in these samples. including the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, haematocrit reading, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular volume. The summarized mathematico-statistical characteristics were calculated from the values obtained in each group and the significance of differences was determined by the analysis of variance at significance levels of P = 0.01 and P = 0.05.