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The genus Physa (= Physella) includes the most abundant and diverse freshwater gastropods native to North America. Due to their invasive nature, many species occur throughout the world. The most abundant species, Physa acuta, has been introduced to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia by human commerce and migrating birds. This species is widely distributed throughout Serbia. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic diversity of P. acuta from Serbia, and to determine the evolutionary relationships among native Physidae populations from North America, Mexico and Cuba and populations from Europe, using sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene. The ML (Maximum Likelihood) tree revealed two clades within Physidae, and two clades that correspond to the families Planorbidae and Lymnaeidae. In the Physidae clade there are two separate clades: one includes the species Physa spelunca, and the second includes samples of P. acuta. We determined three different haplotypes within specimens from Serbia. One haplotype is genetically closest to Physa heterostrofa (synonym of P. acuta) from Philadelphia, while the other two are very close to P. acuta specimens from New Mexico. Together with other samples, our findings corroborate the notion that we are dealing with one panmictic population of P. acuta and not with several separate species, despite the high genetic diversity between and among the populations. Our results indicate that in the same population in Serbia, there is high genetic distance between samples. Despite the small number of analyzed samples, our findings point to multiple introductions of P. acuta from different locations in America.

The genus Physa (= Physella) includes the most abundant and diverse freshwater gastropods native to North America. Due to their invasive nature, many species occur throughout the world. The most abundant species, Physa acuta, has been introduced to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia by human commerce and migrating birds. This species is widely distributed throughout Serbia. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic diversity of P. acuta from Serbia, and to determine the evolutionary relationships among native Physidae populations from North America, Mexico and Cuba and populations from Europe, using sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene. The ML (Maximum Likelihood) tree revealed two clades within Physidae, and two clades that correspond to the families Planorbidae and Lymnaeidae. In the Physidae clade there are two separate clades: one includes the species Physa spelunca, and the second includes samples of P. acuta. We determined three different haplotypes within specimens from Serbia. One haplotype is genetically closest to Physa heterostrofa (synonym of P. acuta) from Philadelphia, while the other two are very close to P. acuta specimens from New Mexico. Together with other samples, our findings corroborate the notion that we are dealing with one panmictic population of P. acuta and not with several separate species, despite the high genetic diversity between and among the populations. Our results indicate that in the same population in Serbia, there is high genetic distance between samples. Despite the small number of analyzed samples, our findings point to multiple introductions of P. acuta from different locations in America.

In modern industrial production, every manufacturing and assembly process should be assessed with respect to its influence on the environment. For a company that invests in a new process, a careful analysis of HSE problems (Health, Safety and Environment) is very important. Friction stir welding (FSW) process offers numerous advantages regarding health protection, environmental effects and work safety in comparison with other welding procedures, such as arc welding. Arc welding produces a broad spec-trum of UV radiation, harmful for human health (skin, eyes). Exposure to this radiation without an adequate protection can lead to severe injuries. If appropriate protective measures are undertaken, the welder can easily be exposed to heat injuries. This is especially pronounced for arc welding of aluminium alloys, because high material conductivity of Al requires a high-energy arc, and also because its surface has more pronounced reflection than steel. This work deals with the FSW welding process and its advantages in comparison with arc welding processes with respect to health protection, environmental problems and work safety.

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

Lifetime milk production is a key success factor in fulfilling the production potential of high-yielding cows. Lifetime milk production traits are pronouncedly variable. The life expectancy and the length of productive life of dairy cows are repeatedly limiting factors for improving lifetime milk production. Lifetime milk production is greatly depended on age at first calving and the number of lactations during productive life. Previous researches have implied there are real chances for improving the lifetime milk production of high-yielding cows. The goal of this research was to investigate the significance of key systematic factors on the lifetime production of high-yielding Black-and-White cows. The animals included in the sample had different share of Holstein genes. The researchers determined systematic factors that caused some significant phenotypic variations of the investigated trait. The average lifetime milk production was 25,002.66±7,755.39 kg. When observed by cow genotypes, the mean values of the lifetime milk production varied from 27,061.37 kg ( (lt) 58% HF) and 24,761.26 kg (58-73% HF) to 23,185.36 kg (>73% HF). The differences in lifetime milk production determined among the animals were due to a highly significant (p≤0.01) impact of the bulls - the sires of the cows and the year of culling; the impact of the class of HF genes was significant (p≤0.05), whereas the impact of the reason for culling was non-significant (p>0.05)., Osobine životne proizvodnje visokomlečnih krava imaju veliki ekonomski značaj. Crno-bela goveda imaju značajan genetski potencijal za proizvodnju mleka. Visokoproizvodne krave crno-bele rase izložene su tokom produktivnog veka velikom broju složenih uticaja koji intenzivno deluju na nivo relizacije njihovog genetskog potencijala. Uslovi sredine često nisu u saglasnosti sa potrebama ove visokomlečne rase goveda. Povećanjem učešća gena holštajn-frizijske rase, tokom procesa oplemenjivanja evropskog tipa crno-belih goveda, došlo je do povećanja prinosa mleka. Dosadašnja istraživanja ukazuju na mogućnost za značajnije povećanje životne produktivnosti crno-belih krava. Poznavanje broja i nivoa uticaja faktora sredine, na životnu proizvodnju visokomlečnih krava, važno je zbog njihovog uključivanja u model. U skladu sa značajem pojedinih sistematskih faktora u okviru istraživanja je obavljena njihova objektivna procena. Cilj rada je bio da se primenom odgovarajuće metodologije ispita značajnost razlika, u ostvarenoj životnoj proizvodnji mleka kod visokoproizvodnih crno-belih krava, preko najvažnijih sistematskih uticaja. Prosečna životna proizvodnja mleka iznosila je 25002.66±7755.39 kg litara. Posmatrano po genotipovima krava prosečne vrednosti životne proizvodnje mleka iznosile su 27061.37 kg ( (lt) 58% HF), 24761.26 kg (58-73% HF) i 23185.36 kg (> 73% HF). Utvrđene razlike između grla u pogledu ostvarenog nivoa životne proizvodnje mleka nastale su kao posledica visoko značajnog uticaja (P≤0.01) bikova-očeva krava i godine izlučenja krava, klasa HF gena krava imala je značajan uticaj (p≤0.05), dok razlog izlučenja nije imao značajan uticaj (P>0.05).

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

Lifetime milk production is a key success factor in fulfilling the production potential of high-yielding cows. Lifetime milk production traits are pronouncedly variable. The life expectancy and the length of productive life of dairy cows are repeatedly limiting factors for improving lifetime milk production. Lifetime milk production is greatly depended on age at first calving and the number of lactations during productive life. Previous researches have implied there are real chances for improving the lifetime milk production of high-yielding cows. The goal of this research was to investigate the significance of key systematic factors on the lifetime production of high-yielding Black-and-White cows. The animals included in the sample had different share of Holstein genes. The researchers determined systematic factors that caused some significant phenotypic variations of the investigated trait. The average lifetime milk production was 25,002.66±7,755.39 kg. When observed by cow genotypes, the mean values of the lifetime milk production varied from 27,061.37 kg ( (lt) 58% HF) and 24,761.26 kg (58-73% HF) to 23,185.36 kg (>73% HF). The differences in lifetime milk production determined among the animals were due to a highly significant (p≤0.01) impact of the bulls - the sires of the cows and the year of culling; the impact of the class of HF genes was significant (p≤0.05), whereas the impact of the reason for culling was non-significant (p>0.05)., Osobine životne proizvodnje visokomlečnih krava imaju veliki ekonomski značaj. Crno-bela goveda imaju značajan genetski potencijal za proizvodnju mleka. Visokoproizvodne krave crno-bele rase izložene su tokom produktivnog veka velikom broju složenih uticaja koji intenzivno deluju na nivo relizacije njihovog genetskog potencijala. Uslovi sredine često nisu u saglasnosti sa potrebama ove visokomlečne rase goveda. Povećanjem učešća gena holštajn-frizijske rase, tokom procesa oplemenjivanja evropskog tipa crno-belih goveda, došlo je do povećanja prinosa mleka. Dosadašnja istraživanja ukazuju na mogućnost za značajnije povećanje životne produktivnosti crno-belih krava. Poznavanje broja i nivoa uticaja faktora sredine, na životnu proizvodnju visokomlečnih krava, važno je zbog njihovog uključivanja u model. U skladu sa značajem pojedinih sistematskih faktora u okviru istraživanja je obavljena njihova objektivna procena. Cilj rada je bio da se primenom odgovarajuće metodologije ispita značajnost razlika, u ostvarenoj životnoj proizvodnji mleka kod visokoproizvodnih crno-belih krava, preko najvažnijih sistematskih uticaja. Prosečna životna proizvodnja mleka iznosila je 25002.66±7755.39 kg litara. Posmatrano po genotipovima krava prosečne vrednosti životne proizvodnje mleka iznosile su 27061.37 kg ( (lt) 58% HF), 24761.26 kg (58-73% HF) i 23185.36 kg (> 73% HF). Utvrđene razlike između grla u pogledu ostvarenog nivoa životne proizvodnje mleka nastale su kao posledica visoko značajnog uticaja (P≤0.01) bikova-očeva krava i godine izlučenja krava, klasa HF gena krava imala je značajan uticaj (p≤0.05), dok razlog izlučenja nije imao značajan uticaj (P>0.05).

Electroconducting polymers are promising materials to be used in various fields including: batteries, capacitors, electronic devices, corrosion, biosensors and sensors[1,6]. Polyaniline is probably the most investigated electroconducting polymer, due to low cost monomer, conductivity, environmental stability. Polyaniline can be obtained by chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Electrochemical synthesis is performed in anodic process directly from acidic aqueous electrolyte containing aniline. Polyaniline can be used as electrode material for electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid based on electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid.

We describe the first reported outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans in Serbia in August to October 2012 and examine the association of various variables with encephalitis and fatal outcome. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of WNV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in sera and cerebrospinal fluid. A total of 58 patients (mean age: 61 years; standard deviation: 15) were analysed: 44 were from Belgrade and its suburbs; 52 had neuroinvasive disease, of whom 8 had meningitis, while 44 had encephalitis. Acute flaccid paralysis developed in 13 of the patients with encephalitis. Age over 60 years and immunosuppression (including diabetes) were independently associated with the development of encephalitis in a multivariate analysis: odds ratio (OR): 44.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.93-408.59); p=0.001 (age over 60 years); OR: 10.76 (95% CI: 1.06-109.65); p=0.045 (immunosuppression including diabetes). Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation developed in 13 patients with encephalitis. A total of 35 patients had completely recovered by the time they were discharged; nine patients died. The presence of acute flaccid paralysis, consciousness impairment, respiratory failure and immunosuppression (without diabetes) were found to be associated with death in hospital in a univariate analysis (p lt 0.001, p=0.007, p lt 0.001 and p=0.010, respectively).

Common ragweed (Ambrosia atremisiifolia) is one of the most frequent causes of pollen-induced allergic reactions both in humans and dogs. It has not been defined yet, what is the major allergen(s) to which most dogs allergic to ragweed show a positive result on intradermal skin test (IDST). In the present study sensitization to Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis was examined with both in vivo and in vitro tests, including IDST and serum allergen specific IgE test. Detection of specific-IgE antibodies against ragweed allergens by immunoblotting in the sera of allergic dogs was optimized, as well. Dogs that were positive, as judged by IDST reactions to ragweed pollen allergens, also had alergen specific IgE antibodies in their sera. Results indicate that major allergens of A. artemisifolia pollen in dogs are Amb a 1 and Amb a 2. Further characterization of ragweed allergens is needed before they could potentially be used in intradermal testing or allergen immunotherapy in affected dogs. Also, we evaluated new Favrots diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis in dogs allergic to Ambrosia atremisiifolia pollen. It might be concluded that proposed criteria are of great assistance for seting up suspected diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis, after ruling out other pruritic dermatoses., Kratka ambrozija (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) je jedan od najčešćih uzročnika alergijskih reakcija izazvanih polenom kod ljudi i pasa. Još uvek nije definisano koji je glavni alergen (i), na koji, većina pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije, ispoljava pozitivnu reakciju na intradermalnom testu. U ovoj studiji je ispitana senzibilizacija na polen ove biljke kod pasa sa simptomima atopijskog dermatitisa in vivo i in vitro testovima, uključujući intradermalni test i dokazivanje prisustva alergen specifičnih IgE antitela u serumu. Optimizovani su uslovi za detekciju IgE specifičnih antitela iz seruma pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije imunoblot tehnikom. Psi koji su imali pozitivnu reakciju na polen ove biljke na intradermalnom testu, takođe su imali specifična IgE antitela u serumu. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da su glavni alergeni Ambrosia artemisiifolia kod pasa Amb a 1 i Amb a 2. Neophodna je dalja karakterizacija alergena ambrozije kako bi se oni mogli primeniti pri rutinskom intradermalnom testiranju ili u alergen specifičnoj imunoterapiji obolelih pasa. Takođe je razmatrana i validnost Favrotovih dijagnostičkih kriterijuma kod pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije. Može se zaključiti da su predloženi kriterijumi od velike pomoći u postavljanju suspektne dijagnoze atopijskog dermatitisa pasa, nakon isključenja drugih pruritičnih dermatoza.

Common ragweed (Ambrosia atremisiifolia) is one of the most frequent causes of pollen-induced allergic reactions both in humans and dogs. It has not been defined yet, what is the major allergen(s) to which most dogs allergic to ragweed show a positive result on intradermal skin test (IDST). In the present study sensitization to Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis was examined with both in vivo and in vitro tests, including IDST and serum allergen specific IgE test. Detection of specific-IgE antibodies against ragweed allergens by immunoblotting in the sera of allergic dogs was optimized, as well. Dogs that were positive, as judged by IDST reactions to ragweed pollen allergens, also had alergen specific IgE antibodies in their sera. Results indicate that major allergens of A. artemisifolia pollen in dogs are Amb a 1 and Amb a 2. Further characterization of ragweed allergens is needed before they could potentially be used in intradermal testing or allergen immunotherapy in affected dogs. Also, we evaluated new Favrots diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis in dogs allergic to Ambrosia atremisiifolia pollen. It might be concluded that proposed criteria are of great assistance for seting up suspected diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis, after ruling out other pruritic dermatoses., Kratka ambrozija (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) je jedan od najčešćih uzročnika alergijskih reakcija izazvanih polenom kod ljudi i pasa. Još uvek nije definisano koji je glavni alergen (i), na koji, većina pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije, ispoljava pozitivnu reakciju na intradermalnom testu. U ovoj studiji je ispitana senzibilizacija na polen ove biljke kod pasa sa simptomima atopijskog dermatitisa in vivo i in vitro testovima, uključujući intradermalni test i dokazivanje prisustva alergen specifičnih IgE antitela u serumu. Optimizovani su uslovi za detekciju IgE specifičnih antitela iz seruma pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije imunoblot tehnikom. Psi koji su imali pozitivnu reakciju na polen ove biljke na intradermalnom testu, takođe su imali specifična IgE antitela u serumu. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da su glavni alergeni Ambrosia artemisiifolia kod pasa Amb a 1 i Amb a 2. Neophodna je dalja karakterizacija alergena ambrozije kako bi se oni mogli primeniti pri rutinskom intradermalnom testiranju ili u alergen specifičnoj imunoterapiji obolelih pasa. Takođe je razmatrana i validnost Favrotovih dijagnostičkih kriterijuma kod pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije. Može se zaključiti da su predloženi kriterijumi od velike pomoći u postavljanju suspektne dijagnoze atopijskog dermatitisa pasa, nakon isključenja drugih pruritičnih dermatoza.

We describe the first reported outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans in Serbia in August to October 2012 and examine the association of various variables with encephalitis and fatal outcome. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of WNV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in sera and cerebrospinal fluid. A total of 58 patients (mean age: 61 years; standard deviation: 15) were analysed: 44 were from Belgrade and its suburbs; 52 had neuroinvasive disease, of whom 8 had meningitis, while 44 had encephalitis. Acute flaccid paralysis developed in 13 of the patients with encephalitis. Age over 60 years and immunosuppression (including diabetes) were independently associated with the development of encephalitis in a multivariate analysis: odds ratio (OR): 44.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.93-408.59); p=0.001 (age over 60 years); OR: 10.76 (95% CI: 1.06-109.65); p=0.045 (immunosuppression including diabetes). Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation developed in 13 patients with encephalitis. A total of 35 patients had completely recovered by the time they were discharged; nine patients died. The presence of acute flaccid paralysis, consciousness impairment, respiratory failure and immunosuppression (without diabetes) were found to be associated with death in hospital in a univariate analysis (p lt 0.001, p=0.007, p lt 0.001 and p=0.010, respectively).

Despite being described as the safest antiepileptic drug of first choice the presented literature data are much varied as far as dog blood serum biochemical parameters are considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phenobarbitone at different per os doses on the values of selected blood serum biochemical parameters in dogs during both short and long term application. The study was conducted on 30 dogs of different races, both sexes, ranging from 2 to 8 years of age. A total of 15 healthy and 15 dogs suffering from idiophatic epilepsy were observed. During the short term per os application of phenobarbitone (given at 3 week intervals) to the healthy population in varied doses a statistically significant increase in ALT and AP was recorded. Application of 16 mg/kg/day of phenobarbitone to the healthy population during 14 days resulted in a significant increase of ALT and AP. This increase was dependant on the duration of the treatment. During chronic application of phenobarbitone to dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy a significant increase in values of AP and ALT depending on the given dose was recorded. In two of the studied epileptic dogs treated with high therapeutic doses of phenobarbitone clinical signs of hepatotoxicity were recorded. Hepatotoxicity resulted in decreased albumin and total protein concentrations, as well as increased blood serum total bilirubin, AST, ALP and AP. The obtained results indicate that a long term application of phenobarbitone at high therapeutic doses can cause hepatotoxicity. However, there was no relationship between phenobarbitone dosage and duration of therapy and blood glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumins, total bilirubin, triglycerides and cholesterol., Iako označen kao antiepileptik prvog izbora i veoma bezbedan lek, u literaturi su prezentovani različiti podaci o uticaju fenobarbitona na vrednosti biohemijskih parametara krvnog seruma kod pasa. S obzirom na to, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispita uticaj fenobarbitona pri različitim per os dozama na vrednosti biohemijskih parametara krvnog seruma kod pasa, tokom kratkotrajne i dugotrajne aplikacije. Istraživanje je sprovedeno na 30 pasa različitih rasa, oba pola, starosne kategorije od dve do osam godina, od kojih su 15 bili zdravi psi a 15 psi oboleli od idiopatske epilepsije. Tokom kratkotrajne per os aplikacije fenobarbitona (intervali od po tri nedelje) zdravoj populaciji pasa pri različitim per os dozama, u krvnom serumu je registrovano značajno povećanje aktivnosti ALT i vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti AP u zavisnosti od doze leka. Aplikacija fenobarbitona u dozi od 16 mg/kg/dnevno tokom 14 nedelja zdravoj populaciji pasa ukazala je, na vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti ALT i AP u zavisnosti od dužine trajanja aplikacije. Tokom hronične aplikacije fenobarbitona psima obolelim od idiopatske epilepsije, ustanovljeno je statistički vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti AP i ALT u krvnom serumu u zavisnosti od doze leka. Kod dve jedinke u bolesnoj grupi pasa pri visokim terapeutskim dozama fenobarbitona registrovana je hepatotoksičnost, što je dovelo do statistički značajnog smanjenja koncentracije albumina i ukupnih proteina, statistički značajnog povećanja koncentracije ukupnog bilirubina, statistički značajnog povećanja aktivnosti AST i statistički vrlo značajnog povećanja aktivnosti ALT i AP u krvnom serumu Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da dugotrajna aplikacija fenobarbitona, pri visokim terapeutskim dozama može izazvati hepatotoksičnost. Nije ustanovljeno postojanje veze između koncentracije glukoze, uree, kreatinina, ukupnih proteina, albumina, ukupnog bilirubina, triglicerida i holesterola u krvnom serumu pasa sa per os dozom fenobarbitona, niti sa d

Pollens from Ambrosia species have a strong allergenic potential and they represent a complex mixture of at least 52 different antigens. This weed is widespread in Serbia and has a long pollination period (appr. 100 days). Pollens are present in very high concentrations during the pollination season (up to 300 pg/m3 of air). Fifty dogs with a clinical diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and positive intradermal skin test (IDST) reactions to other environmental allergens were included in this study along with 30 dogs without clinical signs of CAD. Both groups were tested intradermally with Ambrosia artemisiifolia extract in concentration of 1000 PNU/mL (provided by ''Institute of virology, vaccines and sera - Torlak''). We have found that Ambrosia extract was second most common allergen to yield positive intradermal test reactions just after house dust mites. The positive reaction of IDST was observed in 66% of the atopic dogs and in 10% of clinically healthy dogs. Dogs that had a positive reaction on intradermal skin test to Ambrosia pollens, mostly showed secondary skin lesions on the pads and perioral skin. In 88% of cases, Malassezia pachydermatis have been isolated from the skin in an increased number and 64% of dogs had otitis externa. These results indicate, that allergens from Ambrosia artemisifolia are of great importance in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs originating from the Belgrade region., Polen ambrozije ima jaka alergijska svojstva i sastoji se od kompleksne mešavine od do sada poznatih 52 antigena. Ova korovska biljka je znatno rasprostranjena u Srbiji i ima dugačak period polinacije od prosečno 100 dana. Polen je prisutan u izrazito visokim koncentracijama tokom avgusta i septembra ide i do 300 polenovih zrna u m3 vazduha. Ovim ispitivanjem obuhvaćeno je 50 pasa kod kojih je dijagnostikovan atopijski dermatitis na osnovu kliničkih simptoma i pozitivne reakcije na intradermalnom testu, kao i 30 pasa bez klinički manifestnih simptoma atopijskog dermatitisa. Kod obe grupe pasa uradjeno je intradermalno testiranje standardnim rastvorima proizvođača Instituta za imunologiju i virusologiju Torlak, kao i vodenim rastvorom alergena ambrozije u koncentraciji 1000 PNU/ml. U našem ispitivanju polen ambrozije predstavlja drugi alergen po učestalosti pozitivne reakcije na intradermalnom testu kod ispitivanih pasa, odmah posle kućnih grinja. Pozitivna reakcija zabeležena je kod 66% pasa iz grupe atopičara i kod 10% klinički zdravih pasa. Kod pasa koji su pokazali pozitivnu reakciju na intradermalnom testu na polen ambrozije, sekundarne lezije kože su se najčešće javljale na šapama i oko usana. Kod 88% ovih pasa na koži je u povećanom broju dijagnostikovana Malassezia pachydermatis, a kod 64% jedinki je registrovan otitis externa različite etiologije. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata se može zaključiti da je alergen biljke Ambrosia artemisiifolia veoma značajan u indukciji atopijskog dermatitisa kod populacije pasa sa šireg područja Beograda.

Despite being described as the safest antiepileptic drug of first choice the presented literature data are much varied as far as dog blood serum biochemical parameters are considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phenobarbitone at different per os doses on the values of selected blood serum biochemical parameters in dogs during both short and long term application. The study was conducted on 30 dogs of different races, both sexes, ranging from 2 to 8 years of age. A total of 15 healthy and 15 dogs suffering from idiophatic epilepsy were observed. During the short term per os application of phenobarbitone (given at 3 week intervals) to the healthy population in varied doses a statistically significant increase in ALT and AP was recorded. Application of 16 mg/kg/day of phenobarbitone to the healthy population during 14 days resulted in a significant increase of ALT and AP. This increase was dependant on the duration of the treatment. During chronic application of phenobarbitone to dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy a significant increase in values of AP and ALT depending on the given dose was recorded. In two of the studied epileptic dogs treated with high therapeutic doses of phenobarbitone clinical signs of hepatotoxicity were recorded. Hepatotoxicity resulted in decreased albumin and total protein concentrations, as well as increased blood serum total bilirubin, AST, ALP and AP. The obtained results indicate that a long term application of phenobarbitone at high therapeutic doses can cause hepatotoxicity. However, there was no relationship between phenobarbitone dosage and duration of therapy and blood glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumins, total bilirubin, triglycerides and cholesterol., Iako označen kao antiepileptik prvog izbora i veoma bezbedan lek, u literaturi su prezentovani različiti podaci o uticaju fenobarbitona na vrednosti biohemijskih parametara krvnog seruma kod pasa. S obzirom na to, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispita uticaj fenobarbitona pri različitim per os dozama na vrednosti biohemijskih parametara krvnog seruma kod pasa, tokom kratkotrajne i dugotrajne aplikacije. Istraživanje je sprovedeno na 30 pasa različitih rasa, oba pola, starosne kategorije od dve do osam godina, od kojih su 15 bili zdravi psi a 15 psi oboleli od idiopatske epilepsije. Tokom kratkotrajne per os aplikacije fenobarbitona (intervali od po tri nedelje) zdravoj populaciji pasa pri različitim per os dozama, u krvnom serumu je registrovano značajno povećanje aktivnosti ALT i vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti AP u zavisnosti od doze leka. Aplikacija fenobarbitona u dozi od 16 mg/kg/dnevno tokom 14 nedelja zdravoj populaciji pasa ukazala je, na vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti ALT i AP u zavisnosti od dužine trajanja aplikacije. Tokom hronične aplikacije fenobarbitona psima obolelim od idiopatske epilepsije, ustanovljeno je statistički vrlo značajno povećanje aktivnosti AP i ALT u krvnom serumu u zavisnosti od doze leka. Kod dve jedinke u bolesnoj grupi pasa pri visokim terapeutskim dozama fenobarbitona registrovana je hepatotoksičnost, što je dovelo do statistički značajnog smanjenja koncentracije albumina i ukupnih proteina, statistički značajnog povećanja koncentracije ukupnog bilirubina, statistički značajnog povećanja aktivnosti AST i statistički vrlo značajnog povećanja aktivnosti ALT i AP u krvnom serumu Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da dugotrajna aplikacija fenobarbitona, pri visokim terapeutskim dozama može izazvati hepatotoksičnost. Nije ustanovljeno postojanje veze između koncentracije glukoze, uree, kreatinina, ukupnih proteina, albumina, ukupnog bilirubina, triglicerida i holesterola u krvnom serumu pasa sa per os dozom fenobarbitona, niti sa d

Pollens from Ambrosia species have a strong allergenic potential and they represent a complex mixture of at least 52 different antigens. This weed is widespread in Serbia and has a long pollination period (appr. 100 days). Pollens are present in very high concentrations during the pollination season (up to 300 pg/m3 of air). Fifty dogs with a clinical diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and positive intradermal skin test (IDST) reactions to other environmental allergens were included in this study along with 30 dogs without clinical signs of CAD. Both groups were tested intradermally with Ambrosia artemisiifolia extract in concentration of 1000 PNU/mL (provided by ''Institute of virology, vaccines and sera - Torlak''). We have found that Ambrosia extract was second most common allergen to yield positive intradermal test reactions just after house dust mites. The positive reaction of IDST was observed in 66% of the atopic dogs and in 10% of clinically healthy dogs. Dogs that had a positive reaction on intradermal skin test to Ambrosia pollens, mostly showed secondary skin lesions on the pads and perioral skin. In 88% of cases, Malassezia pachydermatis have been isolated from the skin in an increased number and 64% of dogs had otitis externa. These results indicate, that allergens from Ambrosia artemisifolia are of great importance in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs originating from the Belgrade region., Polen ambrozije ima jaka alergijska svojstva i sastoji se od kompleksne mešavine od do sada poznatih 52 antigena. Ova korovska biljka je znatno rasprostranjena u Srbiji i ima dugačak period polinacije od prosečno 100 dana. Polen je prisutan u izrazito visokim koncentracijama tokom avgusta i septembra ide i do 300 polenovih zrna u m3 vazduha. Ovim ispitivanjem obuhvaćeno je 50 pasa kod kojih je dijagnostikovan atopijski dermatitis na osnovu kliničkih simptoma i pozitivne reakcije na intradermalnom testu, kao i 30 pasa bez klinički manifestnih simptoma atopijskog dermatitisa. Kod obe grupe pasa uradjeno je intradermalno testiranje standardnim rastvorima proizvođača Instituta za imunologiju i virusologiju Torlak, kao i vodenim rastvorom alergena ambrozije u koncentraciji 1000 PNU/ml. U našem ispitivanju polen ambrozije predstavlja drugi alergen po učestalosti pozitivne reakcije na intradermalnom testu kod ispitivanih pasa, odmah posle kućnih grinja. Pozitivna reakcija zabeležena je kod 66% pasa iz grupe atopičara i kod 10% klinički zdravih pasa. Kod pasa koji su pokazali pozitivnu reakciju na intradermalnom testu na polen ambrozije, sekundarne lezije kože su se najčešće javljale na šapama i oko usana. Kod 88% ovih pasa na koži je u povećanom broju dijagnostikovana Malassezia pachydermatis, a kod 64% jedinki je registrovan otitis externa različite etiologije. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata se može zaključiti da je alergen biljke Ambrosia artemisiifolia veoma značajan u indukciji atopijskog dermatitisa kod populacije pasa sa šireg područja Beograda.

The anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa pertinent to the technique of maxillary nerve block at the foramen rotundum was investigated and the ability of inexperienced surgeons to apply the required angles of the injection needle to the sagittal plane in a clinical environment. In 85 dried human skulls the volume, length, width and depth of 159 intact pterygopalatine fossae were measured. The frequency of reaching the sphenopalatine foramen using a 20 G spinal needle advanced from the frontozygomatic angle through the pterygomaxillary fissure was determined. 49 oral surgery postgraduates aligned the injection needle with angles of 60 degrees and 80 degrees to the sagittal plane of a volunteer's head. The dimensions of the pterygopalatine fossa were inconsistent; volume (0.1-1 cm(3)), width (1-9 mm) and depth (6-22 mm) showed the greatest variations. An enlarged sphenoidal process and a narrow pterygomaxillary fissure ( lt 2 mm) were found in 15% and 8%, respectively. The sphenopalatine foramen was reached successfully in 75%. Postgraduates in oral surgery were highly accurate in the assessment of the 60 and 80 angles to the sagittal plane. A previously described technique of blocking the maxillary nerve at the foramen rotundum was adjusted and recommendations given to overcome anatomical obstacles.

Immunomodulation is a phenomenon that is based on the influence of different endogenous and exogenous substances on the function of molecules and cells pertaining to the immune system. Some components extracted from the bovine thymus have immunomodulating features and can, both in animals and humans, by suppressing the immune response (humoral and/or cellular) bring about immunostimulation and increased organism resistance. In this paper the effects of bovine thymus extract (Thymex - L) on the parameters of humoral immune response (concentration of antibodies to tetanus toxoid - ATTx) and cellular immune response (interleukin 2 - IL-2, interferon γ - IFN-γ and degree of cutaneus basophyl hypersensitivity - CBHR) in rats previously irradiated by X-rays at a dose of 4 or 6 Gy. The studied thymus extract had shown positive effects on IL-2 and IFN-γ serum concentrations in irradiated rats. In the group of rats irradiated with 4 Gy the effects were evident on the 7th day of the trial. Rats irradiated with the higher dose (6 Gy) experienced the positive effects of thymus extract on the 21st day of the experiment. In the skin PHA hypersensitivity test, a positive effect was also recorded, being more pronounced in rats which received the lower irradiation dose. The tested thymus extract had shown a positive effect on the concentration of ATTx as early as the 14th day of the trial., Pojedini sastojci ekstrakta goveđeg timusa imaju imunomodulatorna svojstva i mogu, kod ljudi i životinja, sa suprimiranim funkcijama imunskog sistema (humoralnim i/ili celularnim) dovesti do imunostimulacije. U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja efekata preparata Thymex-L dobijenog iz ekstrakta goveđ eg timusa na parametre humoralnog imunskog odgovora pacova kod kojih je prethodno izvršeno jednokratno ozračivanje X zracima u dozi od 4 ili 6 Gy. Određivani su sledeći parametri: koncentracija interleukina 2 (IL-2), interferona γ (IFN-γ), koncentracija antitela posle vakcinacije i revakcinacije tetanusnim toksoidom (ATTx) i stepen kožne preosetljivosti (CBHR) na biljni mitogen (PHA) Ispitivani ekstrakt je ispoljio pozitivan efekat na koncentraciju IL-2 i IFN-γ u serumu ozračenih pacova. Ovaj pozitivan efekat je, kod grupe pacova koja je primila nižu dozu zračenja, vidljiv već nakon 7. dana eksperimenta, dok je kod pacova ozračenih višom dozom zračenja pozitivan efekat registrovan 21. dana eksperimenta. Pri proceni stepena reakcije kožne preosetljivosti na PHA, registrovan je pozitivan efekat primenjenog ekstrakta timusa i on je bio izraženiji kod jedinki kod kojih je bila primenjena niža doza zračenja. Ispitivani ekstrakt goveđeg timusa je ispoljio pozitivan efekat i na koncentraciju ATTx i to već 14. dana eksperimenta.

Nickel thin films were deposited on glass substrates at different N2 gas contents using a dc triode sputtering deposition system. Triode configuration was used to deposit nanostructured thin films with preferred orientation at lower gas pressure and at lower substrate temperature compared to the dc diode sputtering system. A gradual evolution in the composition of the films from Ni, Ni(N), to Ni3N was found by X-ray diffraction analysis. The preferred growth orientation of the nanostructured Ni films changed from (1 1 1) to (1 0 0) for 9% N2 at 100 °C. Ni3N films were formed at 23% N2 with a particle size of about 65 nm, while for 0% and 9% of nitrogen, the particles sizes were 60 nm, and 37 nm, respectively, as obtained by atomic force microscopy. Magnetic force microscopy imaging showed that the local magnetic structure changed from disordered stripe domains of about 200 nm for Ni and Ni(N) to a structure without a magnetic contrast, indicating the paramagnetic state of this material, which confirmed the structural transformation from Ni to Ni3N.

Nickel thin films were deposited on glass substrates at different N2 gas contents using a dc triode sputtering deposition system. Triode configuration was used to deposit nanostructured thin films with preferred orientation at lower gas pressure and at lower substrate temperature compared to the dc diode sputtering system. A gradual evolution in the composition of the films from Ni, Ni(N), to Ni3N was found by X-ray diffraction analysis. The preferred growth orientation of the nanostructured Ni films changed from (1 1 1) to (1 0 0) for 9% N2 at 100 °C. Ni3N films were formed at 23% N2 with a particle size of about 65 nm, while for 0% and 9% of nitrogen, the particles sizes were 60 nm, and 37 nm, respectively, as obtained by atomic force microscopy. Magnetic force microscopy imaging showed that the local magnetic structure changed from disordered stripe domains of about 200 nm for Ni and Ni(N) to a structure without a magnetic contrast, indicating the paramagnetic state of this material, which confirmed the structural transformation from Ni to Ni3N.

Nickel was sputter deposited on a glass with a thin film thickness of 600 nm under either in an argon atmosphere or under a partial pressure of nitrogen of either 1.3× 10-4 or 4× 10-4 mbar. Atomic force microscopy and scanning surface potential microscopy (SSPM) were used to study the morphology and to estimate the surface resistivity of the obtained Ni thin films taking into account surface-roughness effects. For the three samples investigated, the surface resistivity values as estimated using SSPM were in good agreement with the results obtained by standard four-point probe measurements.

Nickel was sputter deposited on a glass with a thin film thickness of 600 nm under either in an argon atmosphere or under a partial pressure of nitrogen of either 1.3× 10-4 or 4× 10-4 mbar. Atomic force microscopy and scanning surface potential microscopy (SSPM) were used to study the morphology and to estimate the surface resistivity of the obtained Ni thin films taking into account surface-roughness effects. For the three samples investigated, the surface resistivity values as estimated using SSPM were in good agreement with the results obtained by standard four-point probe measurements.

Wistar rats were treated with T-2 toxin (1 LD50; 0.23 mg/kg sc) and the surviving animals were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after treatment. At each time, control animals were sacrificed, too. Cardiac mast cells, previously stained by Giemsa method, were analyzed in whole visual fields, magnification x40. In the present study the following quantitative morphometric parameters of cardiac mast cells were evaluated: perimeter (P), area (A) and roundness (R). In the control groups of rats the majority of mast cells were small (P = 6.86 - 7.99 mm), hypogranular (A = 11.60 -14.30 mm2) and ovoid (R = 0.60 - 0.65 mm). Mast cells, with discrete granules, hypergranular, had significantly different quantitative parameters (P = 12.80 -14.90 mm; A = 16.70 -20.00 mm2; R = 0.35 -0.38 mm). The minority of mast cells, classified as degranulated, had a large (P=20.70-23.30 mm), irregular shape (A = 24.40 -30.90 mm2) and showed degranulation (R = 0.15 - 0.21 mm). In the heart of T-2 toxin-treated rats the quantitative parametar values of hypogranular mast cells and hypergranular mast cells were similar to the control group during the whole study. However, degranulated mast cells showed a significant increase in perimeter and area values (p lt 0.05), while their roundness was decreased (p lt 0.05) in comparison to the control groups of animals. It could be concluded that the chosen quantitative morphometric parameters of cardiac degranular mast cells are useful for the evaluation of the functional status of the rats' heart during acute T-2 poisoning., Preživeli Wistar pacovi, tretirani T-2 toksinom (1 LD50; 0,23 mg/kg sc), žrtvovani su 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21. i 28. dana posle tretmana. U istim vremenskim intervalima žrtvovane su životinje iz kontrolnih grupa. Mastociti srca, prethodno obojeni primenom Giemsa metode bojenja, analizirani su u celom vidnom polju, pod uveličanjem 40. U ovom radu ispitivani su sledeći kvantitativni morfometrijski parametri: perimetar (P), površina (A) i kružnost (R). U srcu kontrolne grupe pacova mastocititi su većinom sitni (P = 6,86-7,99 mm), hipogranularni (A = 11,60 -14,30 mm2) i ovalnog oblika (R = 0,60-0,65 mm). Mastociti blago ispunjeni granulama, hipergranularni mastociti, imali su statistički značajno različite vrednosti kvantitativnih parametera (P = 12,80 -14,90 mm; A = 16,70 -20,00 mm2; R = 0,35-0,38 mm). Mali broj mastocita označeni kao deganulirani mastociti su veliki (P = 20,70-23,30 mm), nepravilnih oblika (A = 24,40 -30,90 mm2) sa granulama ispražnjenim u okolno tkivo (R = 0,15 -0,21 mm). U srcu pacova tretiranih T-2 toksinom kvantitativni parametari hipogranuliranih i hipergarnuliranih mastocita imali su vrednosti slične kontrolnim grupama životinja tokom celog perioda ispitivanja. Međutim, degranulirani mastociti pokazali su statistički značajno povećanje vrednosti prečnika i površine (p lt 0,05), dok je njihova kružnost bila manja (p lt 0,05) u poređenju sa kontrolnim grupama pacova. Moglo bi se zaključiti da su ispitivani kvantitativni morfometrijski parametri degranuliranih mastocita korisni za ispitivanje funkcionalnog statusa srca pacova akutno trovanih T-2 toksinom.

Wistar rats were treated with T-2 toxin (1 LD50; 0.23 mg/kg sc) and the surviving animals were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after treatment. At each time, control animals were sacrificed, too. Cardiac mast cells, previously stained by Giemsa method, were analyzed in whole visual fields, magnification x40. In the present study the following quantitative morphometric parameters of cardiac mast cells were evaluated: perimeter (P), area (A) and roundness (R). In the control groups of rats the majority of mast cells were small (P = 6.86 - 7.99 mm), hypogranular (A = 11.60 -14.30 mm2) and ovoid (R = 0.60 - 0.65 mm). Mast cells, with discrete granules, hypergranular, had significantly different quantitative parameters (P = 12.80 -14.90 mm; A = 16.70 -20.00 mm2; R = 0.35 -0.38 mm). The minority of mast cells, classified as degranulated, had a large (P=20.70-23.30 mm), irregular shape (A = 24.40 -30.90 mm2) and showed degranulation (R = 0.15 - 0.21 mm). In the heart of T-2 toxin-treated rats the quantitative parametar values of hypogranular mast cells and hypergranular mast cells were similar to the control group during the whole study. However, degranulated mast cells showed a significant increase in perimeter and area values (p lt 0.05), while their roundness was decreased (p lt 0.05) in comparison to the control groups of animals. It could be concluded that the chosen quantitative morphometric parameters of cardiac degranular mast cells are useful for the evaluation of the functional status of the rats' heart during acute T-2 poisoning., Preživeli Wistar pacovi, tretirani T-2 toksinom (1 LD50; 0,23 mg/kg sc), žrtvovani su 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21. i 28. dana posle tretmana. U istim vremenskim intervalima žrtvovane su životinje iz kontrolnih grupa. Mastociti srca, prethodno obojeni primenom Giemsa metode bojenja, analizirani su u celom vidnom polju, pod uveličanjem 40. U ovom radu ispitivani su sledeći kvantitativni morfometrijski parametri: perimetar (P), površina (A) i kružnost (R). U srcu kontrolne grupe pacova mastocititi su većinom sitni (P = 6,86-7,99 mm), hipogranularni (A = 11,60 -14,30 mm2) i ovalnog oblika (R = 0,60-0,65 mm). Mastociti blago ispunjeni granulama, hipergranularni mastociti, imali su statistički značajno različite vrednosti kvantitativnih parametera (P = 12,80 -14,90 mm; A = 16,70 -20,00 mm2; R = 0,35-0,38 mm). Mali broj mastocita označeni kao deganulirani mastociti su veliki (P = 20,70-23,30 mm), nepravilnih oblika (A = 24,40 -30,90 mm2) sa granulama ispražnjenim u okolno tkivo (R = 0,15 -0,21 mm). U srcu pacova tretiranih T-2 toksinom kvantitativni parametari hipogranuliranih i hipergarnuliranih mastocita imali su vrednosti slične kontrolnim grupama životinja tokom celog perioda ispitivanja. Međutim, degranulirani mastociti pokazali su statistički značajno povećanje vrednosti prečnika i površine (p lt 0,05), dok je njihova kružnost bila manja (p lt 0,05) u poređenju sa kontrolnim grupama pacova. Moglo bi se zaključiti da su ispitivani kvantitativni morfometrijski parametri degranuliranih mastocita korisni za ispitivanje funkcionalnog statusa srca pacova akutno trovanih T-2 toksinom.

In this study, results obtained by following up the changes in hematological parameter values in Wistar rats irradiated with 4 Gy and treated with calves thymic extract Thymex-L are presented. Following irradiation, white blood picture parameters were dramatically decreased and gradually increased from day 14. This elevation was higher in the Thymex-L treated group and the differences were statistically significant for total leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophyl granulocyte count starting from day 14. A significant increase of the monocyte count was observed only at day 28. Parameters of the red blood picture (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed red blood cell volume) were increased starting from day 21. We were able to conclude that treatment of irradiated Wistar rats with thymic extract results in a significant improvement of hematological parameter values., U ovom radu su izneti rezultati ispitivanja efekta preparata Thymex-L dobijenog iz ekstrakta goveđeg timusa na dinamiku promena osnovnih hematoloških parametara pacova soja Wistar kod kojih je prethodno izvršeno jednokratno ozračivanje celog tela X zracima u ukupnoj dozi od 4 Gy. Nakon 28 dana ogleda i sukcesivnog praćenja vrednosti ispitivanih parametara registrovano je statistički značajno povećanje ukupnog broja leukocita broja limfocita i neutrofilnih granulocita, počevši od 14. dana ogleda u grupi ozračenih pacova tretiranih ekstraktom timusa. Do značajnog povećanja broja monocita došlo tek 28. dana. Statistički značajno povećanje broja eritrocita, koncentracije hemoglobina, hematokritske vrednosti i broja trombocita registrovano je počevši od 21 dana ogleda pa sve do kraja ispitivanja.

In this study, results obtained by following up the changes in hematological parameter values in Wistar rats irradiated with 4 Gy and treated with calves thymic extract Thymex-L are presented. Following irradiation, white blood picture parameters were dramatically decreased and gradually increased from day 14. This elevation was higher in the Thymex-L treated group and the differences were statistically significant for total leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophyl granulocyte count starting from day 14. A significant increase of the monocyte count was observed only at day 28. Parameters of the red blood picture (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed red blood cell volume) were increased starting from day 21. We were able to conclude that treatment of irradiated Wistar rats with thymic extract results in a significant improvement of hematological parameter values., U ovom radu su izneti rezultati ispitivanja efekta preparata Thymex-L dobijenog iz ekstrakta goveđeg timusa na dinamiku promena osnovnih hematoloških parametara pacova soja Wistar kod kojih je prethodno izvršeno jednokratno ozračivanje celog tela X zracima u ukupnoj dozi od 4 Gy. Nakon 28 dana ogleda i sukcesivnog praćenja vrednosti ispitivanih parametara registrovano je statistički značajno povećanje ukupnog broja leukocita broja limfocita i neutrofilnih granulocita, počevši od 14. dana ogleda u grupi ozračenih pacova tretiranih ekstraktom timusa. Do značajnog povećanja broja monocita došlo tek 28. dana. Statistički značajno povećanje broja eritrocita, koncentracije hemoglobina, hematokritske vrednosti i broja trombocita registrovano je počevši od 21 dana ogleda pa sve do kraja ispitivanja.

Recent data of our group have shown that bilateral electrolytic lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) in rats reduced the escape behavior deficit that occurs in the learned helplessness test. The present study was done to establish the effect of intracerebral neural transplantation on the change in escape behavior of NBM-lesioned adult male Wistar rats in the learned helplessness test. At 2 days (NBM-ET) or 10 days (NBM-DT) after bilateral electrolytic NBM-lesions, small fragments of fetal frontal cortex (18th day of gestation) were allotransplanted into the lesioned NBM. Ten days after neural transplantation, the learned helplessness test was performed. The number of shocks that animals received before making an escape response was significantly reduced in NBM-lesioned rats (p lt .001, compared to intact control and sham-operated rats). In comparison to NBM-lesioned and sham-ET rats, the NBM-ET rats showed a marked (p lt .001) increase in the number of shocks delivered before the animal made such an escape response. On the other hand, NBM-DT rats did not show this increase. These results indicate that neural transplantation performed at an early time after lesioning of NBM reversed the effect of this lesion in rats exposed to learned helplessness test.

In a previous paper, the authors have described the effect of Ca2+-antagonist. verapamil on Na,K-ATPase in experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (AD-[38,39]. The present paper is concerned with the effect of magnetic, stimulation of. pineal complex on Na,K-ATPase activity in the same experimental model of AD. Because accumulating data indicate that free radicals mediate injury and death of neurons in AD, and because magnetic fields (MFs) can alter- free radicals. reactions; we tested the hypothesis that stationary MFs mediates ion homeostasis through membrane Na;K-ATPase activity. Results are presented as Vmax/Km - parameters on erythrocyte membranes in peripheral blood of rats with lesioned nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Bilateral electrolytic or by kainic acid induced lesions of NBM induce significant decrease of Vmax/Km activity on erythrocyte membranes obtained by cardiac punction. Stimulation of - pineal complex of the brain more than ten days, by magnetic beards (600-Gauss flux density), fixed on the skull upon pineal gland, significantly increase impaired by lesions of NBM, Na, K-ATPase activity. Results are presented as Vmax/Km parameters. on erythrocyte membranes in peripheral blood of rats with lesioned NBM of the basal forebrain bundle. Chronically magnetic stimulation of the pineal complex significantly increase maximum velocity (Vmax; nmol Pi/mg protein/min) of proteins in both lesioned group, even more than 2-fold in by kainic acid (ka)lesioned animals in comparison of lesioned sham-stimulated and increase Vmax in comparison to both controls (sham-lesioned m-sham-stimulated, and intact controls, and return desturbed by lesions affinity of enzyme to substrate (Km; nM) near to the control values. These results confirm the hypothesis that altered ion homeostasis disturbed by neurodegenerations play an essential role in pathogenesis of experimental Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that magnetic stimulation of the pineal complex might successfully restore

Recent data of our group have shown that bilateral electrolytic lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) in rats reduced the escape behavior deficit that occurs in the learned helplessness test. The present study was done to establish the effect of intracerebral neural transplantation on the change in escape behavior of NBM-lesioned adult male Wistar rats in the learned helplessness test. At 2 days (NBM-ET) or 10 days (NBM-DT) after bilateral electrolytic NBM-lesions, small fragments of fetal frontal cortex (18th day of gestation) were allotransplanted into the lesioned NBM. Ten days after neural transplantation, the learned helplessness test was performed. The number of shocks that animals received before making an escape response was significantly reduced in NBM-lesioned rats (p lt .001, compared to intact control and sham-operated rats). In comparison to NBM-lesioned and sham-ET rats, the NBM-ET rats showed a marked (p lt .001) increase in the number of shocks delivered before the animal made such an escape response. On the other hand, NBM-DT rats did not show this increase. These results indicate that neural transplantation performed at an early time after lesioning of NBM reversed the effect of this lesion in rats exposed to learned helplessness test.

In a previous paper, the authors have described the effect of Ca2+-antagonist. verapamil on Na,K-ATPase in experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (AD-[38,39]. The present paper is concerned with the effect of magnetic, stimulation of. pineal complex on Na,K-ATPase activity in the same experimental model of AD. Because accumulating data indicate that free radicals mediate injury and death of neurons in AD, and because magnetic fields (MFs) can alter- free radicals. reactions; we tested the hypothesis that stationary MFs mediates ion homeostasis through membrane Na;K-ATPase activity. Results are presented as Vmax/Km - parameters on erythrocyte membranes in peripheral blood of rats with lesioned nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Bilateral electrolytic or by kainic acid induced lesions of NBM induce significant decrease of Vmax/Km activity on erythrocyte membranes obtained by cardiac punction. Stimulation of - pineal complex of the brain more than ten days, by magnetic beards (600-Gauss flux density), fixed on the skull upon pineal gland, significantly increase impaired by lesions of NBM, Na, K-ATPase activity. Results are presented as Vmax/Km parameters. on erythrocyte membranes in peripheral blood of rats with lesioned NBM of the basal forebrain bundle. Chronically magnetic stimulation of the pineal complex significantly increase maximum velocity (Vmax; nmol Pi/mg protein/min) of proteins in both lesioned group, even more than 2-fold in by kainic acid (ka)lesioned animals in comparison of lesioned sham-stimulated and increase Vmax in comparison to both controls (sham-lesioned m-sham-stimulated, and intact controls, and return desturbed by lesions affinity of enzyme to substrate (Km; nM) near to the control values. These results confirm the hypothesis that altered ion homeostasis disturbed by neurodegenerations play an essential role in pathogenesis of experimental Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that magnetic stimulation of the pineal complex might successfully restore

We investigated the influence of an antiparasitic drug, levamisole (2,3,5,6 - tetrahydro - 6- phenyl-imidazo (2,1 - b) thiazole -hydrochloride) with potent immunomodulatory properties on the course and development of experimental autoimmune encepha-lomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in female Dark Agouti (DA) rats aged two months by immunization with guinea pig spinal cord in complete Freunds adjuvant. Following immunization animals were subcutaneously treated every other day with 2.2 mg/kg levamisole. The course, development and characteristics of this autoimmune process were monitored as indirect indicators of immune system activity. Our results indicate that in EAE levamisole exerts immunosuppressive effects when administered every other day from the moment of immunization until the end of the disease. This application regime and dose postponed the onset of the first clinical signs, shortened the duration of the disease, abrogated the severity of clinical symptoms and accelerated the recovery of sick animals. In the period of induction and during EAE, levamisole also decreased the severity of changes in the cerebral perivascular spaces. In the peripheral blood of levamisole treated animals with induced EAE, a significant increase of CD4-CD8+ T cells was demonstrated. Furthermore, all rats with induced EAE had decreased numbers of CD4+CD8- T cells in their blood. These changes were in correlation with clinical signs of EAE., U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja anthelmintika levamizola (2,3,5,6 tetrahidro - 6 - fenil - imidazo (2,1 - b) tiazol hidrohlorida) sa snažnim imunomodulatornim svojstvima na tok i razvoj eksperimentalnog autoimunog encefalomijelitisa (EAE). EAE je indukovan imunizacijom ženki pacova soja DA (Dark Agouti) starih dva meseca pomoću homogenata kičmene moždine zamorčeta u kompletnom Freundovom adjuvansu. Posle imunizacije, životinje su tretirane subkutanim injekcijama levamizola (2.2 mg/kg) svaki drugi dan a praćeni su tok, razvoj i karakteristike ovog autoimunog oboljenja kao indirektni indikatori aktivnosti imunološkog sistema. Postignuti rezultati ukazuju dalevamizol ispoljava imunosupresivno delovanje u modelu EAE ako se aplikuje svaki drugi dan od momenta imunizacije do kraja bolesti. Primenjena doza i režim aplikacije odložili su momenat pojavljivanja prvih kliničkih simptoma, skratili trajanje bolesti, ublažili ispoljavanje simptoma i ubrzali oporavak bolesnih životinja. U periodu indukcije i tokom EAE-a levamizol je smanjio stepen promena u cerebralnim perivaskularnim prostorima. U ženskoj krvi ženki pacova sa indukovanim EAE i tretiranim levamizolom uočeno je značajno povećanje broja CD4-CD8+ T ćelija. Osim toga, u obe imunizovane grupe životinja zapaženo je smanjenje broja CD4+CD8- ćelija. Ove promene su bile u skladu sa kliničkom slikom bolesti.

We investigated the influence of an antiparasitic drug, levamisole (2,3,5,6 - tetrahydro - 6- phenyl-imidazo (2,1 - b) thiazole -hydrochloride) with potent immunomodulatory properties on the course and development of experimental autoimmune encepha-lomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in female Dark Agouti (DA) rats aged two months by immunization with guinea pig spinal cord in complete Freunds adjuvant. Following immunization animals were subcutaneously treated every other day with 2.2 mg/kg levamisole. The course, development and characteristics of this autoimmune process were monitored as indirect indicators of immune system activity. Our results indicate that in EAE levamisole exerts immunosuppressive effects when administered every other day from the moment of immunization until the end of the disease. This application regime and dose postponed the onset of the first clinical signs, shortened the duration of the disease, abrogated the severity of clinical symptoms and accelerated the recovery of sick animals. In the period of induction and during EAE, levamisole also decreased the severity of changes in the cerebral perivascular spaces. In the peripheral blood of levamisole treated animals with induced EAE, a significant increase of CD4-CD8+ T cells was demonstrated. Furthermore, all rats with induced EAE had decreased numbers of CD4+CD8- T cells in their blood. These changes were in correlation with clinical signs of EAE., U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja anthelmintika levamizola (2,3,5,6 tetrahidro - 6 - fenil - imidazo (2,1 - b) tiazol hidrohlorida) sa snažnim imunomodulatornim svojstvima na tok i razvoj eksperimentalnog autoimunog encefalomijelitisa (EAE). EAE je indukovan imunizacijom ženki pacova soja DA (Dark Agouti) starih dva meseca pomoću homogenata kičmene moždine zamorčeta u kompletnom Freundovom adjuvansu. Posle imunizacije, životinje su tretirane subkutanim injekcijama levamizola (2.2 mg/kg) svaki drugi dan a praćeni su tok, razvoj i karakteristike ovog autoimunog oboljenja kao indirektni indikatori aktivnosti imunološkog sistema. Postignuti rezultati ukazuju dalevamizol ispoljava imunosupresivno delovanje u modelu EAE ako se aplikuje svaki drugi dan od momenta imunizacije do kraja bolesti. Primenjena doza i režim aplikacije odložili su momenat pojavljivanja prvih kliničkih simptoma, skratili trajanje bolesti, ublažili ispoljavanje simptoma i ubrzali oporavak bolesnih životinja. U periodu indukcije i tokom EAE-a levamizol je smanjio stepen promena u cerebralnim perivaskularnim prostorima. U ženskoj krvi ženki pacova sa indukovanim EAE i tretiranim levamizolom uočeno je značajno povećanje broja CD4-CD8+ T ćelija. Osim toga, u obe imunizovane grupe životinja zapaženo je smanjenje broja CD4+CD8- ćelija. Ove promene su bile u skladu sa kliničkom slikom bolesti.

We investigated the influence of an antiparasitic drug, levamisole (2,3,5,6 - tetrahydro - 6- phenyl-imidazo (2,1 - b) thiazole -hydrochloride) with potent immunomodulatory properties on the course and development of experimental autoimmune encepha-lomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in female Dark Agouti (DA) rats aged two months by immunization with guinea pig spinal cord in complete Freunds adjuvant. Following immunization animals were subcutaneously treated every other day with 2.2 mg/kg levamisole. The course, development and characteristics of this autoimmune process were monitored as indirect indicators of immune system activity. Our results indicate that in EAE levamisole exerts immunosuppressive effects when administered every other day from the moment of immunization until the end of the disease. This application regime and dose postponed the onset of the first clinical signs, shortened the duration of the disease, abrogated the severity of clinical symptoms and accelerated the recovery of sick animals. In the period of induction and during EAE, levamisole also decreased the severity of changes in the cerebral perivascular spaces. In the peripheral blood of levamisole treated animals with induced EAE, a significant increase of CD4-CD8+ T cells was demonstrated. Furthermore, all rats with induced EAE had decreased numbers of CD4+CD8- T cells in their blood. These changes were in correlation with clinical signs of EAE., U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja anthelmintika levamizola (2,3,5,6 tetrahidro - 6 - fenil - imidazo (2,1 - b) tiazol hidrohlorida) sa snažnim imunomodulatornim svojstvima na tok i razvoj eksperimentalnog autoimunog encefalomijelitisa (EAE). EAE je indukovan imunizacijom ženki pacova soja DA (Dark Agouti) starih dva meseca pomoću homogenata kičmene moždine zamorčeta u kompletnom Freundovom adjuvansu. Posle imunizacije, životinje su tretirane subkutanim injekcijama levamizola (2.2 mg/kg) svaki drugi dan a praćeni su tok, razvoj i karakteristike ovog autoimunog oboljenja kao indirektni indikatori aktivnosti imunološkog sistema. Postignuti rezultati ukazuju dalevamizol ispoljava imunosupresivno delovanje u modelu EAE ako se aplikuje svaki drugi dan od momenta imunizacije do kraja bolesti. Primenjena doza i režim aplikacije odložili su momenat pojavljivanja prvih kliničkih simptoma, skratili trajanje bolesti, ublažili ispoljavanje simptoma i ubrzali oporavak bolesnih životinja. U periodu indukcije i tokom EAE-a levamizol je smanjio stepen promena u cerebralnim perivaskularnim prostorima. U ženskoj krvi ženki pacova sa indukovanim EAE i tretiranim levamizolom uočeno je značajno povećanje broja CD4-CD8+ T ćelija. Osim toga, u obe imunizovane grupe životinja zapaženo je smanjenje broja CD4+CD8- ćelija. Ove promene su bile u skladu sa kliničkom slikom bolesti.

We investigated the influence of an antiparasitic drug, levamisole (2,3,5,6 - tetrahydro - 6- phenyl-imidazo (2,1 - b) thiazole -hydrochloride) with potent immunomodulatory properties on the course and development of experimental autoimmune encepha-lomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in female Dark Agouti (DA) rats aged two months by immunization with guinea pig spinal cord in complete Freunds adjuvant. Following immunization animals were subcutaneously treated every other day with 2.2 mg/kg levamisole. The course, development and characteristics of this autoimmune process were monitored as indirect indicators of immune system activity. Our results indicate that in EAE levamisole exerts immunosuppressive effects when administered every other day from the moment of immunization until the end of the disease. This application regime and dose postponed the onset of the first clinical signs, shortened the duration of the disease, abrogated the severity of clinical symptoms and accelerated the recovery of sick animals. In the period of induction and during EAE, levamisole also decreased the severity of changes in the cerebral perivascular spaces. In the peripheral blood of levamisole treated animals with induced EAE, a significant increase of CD4-CD8+ T cells was demonstrated. Furthermore, all rats with induced EAE had decreased numbers of CD4+CD8- T cells in their blood. These changes were in correlation with clinical signs of EAE., U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja anthelmintika levamizola (2,3,5,6 tetrahidro - 6 - fenil - imidazo (2,1 - b) tiazol hidrohlorida) sa snažnim imunomodulatornim svojstvima na tok i razvoj eksperimentalnog autoimunog encefalomijelitisa (EAE). EAE je indukovan imunizacijom ženki pacova soja DA (Dark Agouti) starih dva meseca pomoću homogenata kičmene moždine zamorčeta u kompletnom Freundovom adjuvansu. Posle imunizacije, životinje su tretirane subkutanim injekcijama levamizola (2.2 mg/kg) svaki drugi dan a praćeni su tok, razvoj i karakteristike ovog autoimunog oboljenja kao indirektni indikatori aktivnosti imunološkog sistema. Postignuti rezultati ukazuju dalevamizol ispoljava imunosupresivno delovanje u modelu EAE ako se aplikuje svaki drugi dan od momenta imunizacije do kraja bolesti. Primenjena doza i režim aplikacije odložili su momenat pojavljivanja prvih kliničkih simptoma, skratili trajanje bolesti, ublažili ispoljavanje simptoma i ubrzali oporavak bolesnih životinja. U periodu indukcije i tokom EAE-a levamizol je smanjio stepen promena u cerebralnim perivaskularnim prostorima. U ženskoj krvi ženki pacova sa indukovanim EAE i tretiranim levamizolom uočeno je značajno povećanje broja CD4-CD8+ T ćelija. Osim toga, u obe imunizovane grupe životinja zapaženo je smanjenje broja CD4+CD8- ćelija. Ove promene su bile u skladu sa kliničkom slikom bolesti.

The present study was designed to establish the influence of chronic social isolation stress on humoral and cellular immunity in nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM)-lesioned rats. Therefore, ten days after bilateral electrolytic lesions of NBM, adult male Wistar rats were immunized with bovine serum albumin in complete Freund's adjuvant (BSA-CFA) and placed individually or in groups of five rats during 21 days. On days 10 and 21 after immunization, the Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions to BSA as well as anti-BSA antibody production were determined. On day 10, the diameter and intensity of delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction to BSA were significantly higher in social-isolated rats in comparison with the group-reared ones. On day 21, the diameter and intensity of the Arthus skin reaction were significantly higher in social-isolated rats compared to group-reared rats. Between days 10 and 21, the diameter and intensity of the Arthus skin reaction significantly increased in social-isolated rats, while the diameter of delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction significantly decreased. In contrast to social-isolated rats, there were no significant differences in Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions in group-reared rats, between days 10 and 21. Also there were no significant differences in the production of anti-BSA antibody between social-isolated and group-reared rats. The relative spleen weight was significantly lower in social-isolated rats. These data suggest that chronic isolation stress modify humoral and cellular immunity in NBM-lesioned rats.

The present study was designed to establish the influence of chronic social isolation stress on humoral and cellular immunity in nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM)-lesioned rats. Therefore, ten days after bilateral electrolytic lesions of NBM, adult male Wistar rats were immunized with bovine serum albumin in complete Freund's adjuvant (BSA-CFA) and placed individually or in groups of five rats during 21 days. On days 10 and 21 after immunization, the Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions to BSA as well as anti-BSA antibody production were determined. On day 10, the diameter and intensity of delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction to BSA were significantly higher in social-isolated rats in comparison with the group-reared ones. On day 21, the diameter and intensity of the Arthus skin reaction were significantly higher in social-isolated rats compared to group-reared rats. Between days 10 and 21, the diameter and intensity of the Arthus skin reaction significantly increased in social-isolated rats, while the diameter of delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction significantly decreased. In contrast to social-isolated rats, there were no significant differences in Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions in group-reared rats, between days 10 and 21. Also there were no significant differences in the production of anti-BSA antibody between social-isolated and group-reared rats. The relative spleen weight was significantly lower in social-isolated rats. These data suggest that chronic isolation stress modify humoral and cellular immunity in NBM-lesioned rats.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of the estrus cycle on the development of cold restraint-induced gastric lesions in single- and group-stressed female rats. Therefore, adult female Wistar rats, in different phases of the estrus cycle (proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus), were restrained individually or in groups (two, three, six or nine rats) and exposed to a temperature of 4 degrees C for 2 h. The comparison between stressed female rats in different phases of the estrus cycle indicated that gastric pathology was significantly higher in estrus phase as compared to the other phases of the estrus cycle. The intensity of stress-induced gastric pathology was either not changed (estrus), moderately decreased (proestrus and metestrus) or highly decreased (diestrus) by increasing the number of concomitantly exposed rats to cold restraint. The vulnerability to cold restraint-induced stress ulcer rose as followed: proestrus lt metestrus ( diestrus lt estrus. It could be concluded that female rats are more vulnerable to cold restraint-induced stress ulcer in estrus period and that in this phase, social interaction did not made any significant influence on the stress induced gastric lesions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of the estrus cycle on the development of cold restraint-induced gastric lesions in single- and group-stressed female rats. Therefore, adult female Wistar rats, in different phases of the estrus cycle (proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus), were restrained individually or in groups (two, three, six or nine rats) and exposed to a temperature of 4 degrees C for 2 h. The comparison between stressed female rats in different phases of the estrus cycle indicated that gastric pathology was significantly higher in estrus phase as compared to the other phases of the estrus cycle. The intensity of stress-induced gastric pathology was either not changed (estrus), moderately decreased (proestrus and metestrus) or highly decreased (diestrus) by increasing the number of concomitantly exposed rats to cold restraint. The vulnerability to cold restraint-induced stress ulcer rose as followed: proestrus lt metestrus ( diestrus lt estrus. It could be concluded that female rats are more vulnerable to cold restraint-induced stress ulcer in estrus period and that in this phase, social interaction did not made any significant influence on the stress induced gastric lesions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The contribution of autoimmune processes or inflammatory components in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suspected for many years. The presence of antigen-presenting, HLA-DR-positive and other immunoregulatory cells, components of complement, inflammatory cytokines and acute phase reactants have been established in tissue of AD neuropathology. Although these data do not confirm the immune response as a primary cause of AD, they indicate involvement of immune processes at least as a secondary or tertiary reaction to the preexisting pathogen and point out its driving-force role in AD pathogenesis. These processes may contribute to systemic immune response. Thus, experimental and clinical studies indicate impairments in both humoral and cellular immunity in an animal model of AD as well as in AD patients. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs applied for the treatment of some chronic inflammatory diseases have been shown to reduce risk of AD in these patients. Therefore, it seems that anti-inflammatory drugs and other substances which can control the activity of immunocompetent cells and the level of endogenous immune response can be valuable in the treatment of AD patients.

Our recent studies suggest that lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm) in rats induce a significant decrease of core body temperature in standard laboratory conditions. Considering the importance of calcium homeostasis in thermoregulation, as well as in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute verapamil treatment on body temperature in nbm-lesioned rats. The body temperature was registered before and 30 min after verapamil was subcutaneously administered (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg). Verapamil did not change body temperature in control animals. However, verapamil in doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg significantly increased the core body temperature in nbm-lesioned rats nearly up to the temperature of control animals. Findings that verapamil in doses of 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg did not change body temperature in nbm-lesioned suggest the existence of an inverted U-shape curve in its effect.

In order to investigate the effects of physostigmine and verapamil on aggressive (test of foot shock induced aggression) and depressive (learned helplessness test) behavior, ten days after bilateral lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM), adult male Wistar rats were acute treated (30 min before the test) with physostigmine (0.045, 0.060 and 0.075 mg/kg, s.c.) or verapamil (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg, s.c.) Physostigmine in dose of 0.075 mg/kg and verapamil in doses 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg significantly prolongated the escape latency period in the learned helplessness test and thus produced a consolidation of depressiveness in NBM-lesioned rats. Tn contrast to that, there was no restitution of aggressive behavior in NBM-lesioned rats treated with both drugs. It could be concluded that both physostigmine and verapamil exerts a significant influence on depressive, but not on aggressive reaction in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Ten days after bilateral electrolytic lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) (an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease), adult male Wistar rats were exposed to cold restraint stress in individual and social condition. Therefore, rats were placed into individual or group restraint boxes (composed of six single boxes) and exposed during 2 hr to the cold (4 degrees C). The results showed that: 1) there were no differences in type and intensity of stress-induced gastric lesions between single-stressed intact control (IC), sham-operated (SO) and NBM-lesioned rats, 2) the incidence, number and length of gastric erosions were significantly higher in group-stressed NBM-lesioned rats than in IC and SO rats, 3) the individual-stressed IC and SO rats have significantly higher incidence, number and length of gastric erosions as well as ulcer index than IC and SO group-stressed rats, and 4) there were no significant differences in intensity and type of acute gastric lesions between single- and group-stressed NBM-lesioned rats. Ir could be concluded that NBM lesions induce significant changes in social behavior in rats.