Search

Measurements of transepithelial potential and resistance in tissue and organ model systems enable the evaluation of the Ni2+ effect on the epithelial sodium channels, aquaporin 3, and the sodium–potassium pump in the epithelial cells. The aim of the presented study was to assess the immediate and prolonged effect of nickel ions on the transport of sodium ions in tissues exposed to direct contact with nickel, including airways, digestive tract and the skin. The influence of 0.1 mM nickel solution was performed on the trachea (n = 34), intestine (n = 44), and skin (n = 51) samples descended from 16 New Zealand albino rabbits. The electrophysiological parameters were measured in a modified Ussing chamber in stationary conditions and during a 15-s mechanical-chemical stimulation. A statistically significant decrease in the electric resistance values and the smallest range of the measured potential were observed for the Ni-treated trachea specimens. The use of nickel solution did not affect the sodium transport in the intestine epithelium. The skin fragments showed altered sodium ion transport, as demonstrated by the lower range and intensity of the measured potential. The gastrointestinal tract seems to be an organ best adapted to contact with nickel ions. In airways, nickel ions most likely enter epithelial cells and the space between them, modifying proteins and the airway surface liquid. The skin turned out to be the most sensitive tissue to the intensification of sodium ion transport through nickel ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research material were ejaculates collected from 10 rabbits - 5 New Zealand white rabbits and 5 Californian rabbits. The semen was collected with the use of an artificial vagina. Only liquid fraction of the semen was subject to research. With 66 collections on Californian rabbits and 47 on New Zealand white rabbits, the total amount of 113 semen collections were performed for the purpose of the research. The parameters tested included: semen's consistency and color, the volume of liquid fraction, osmotic pressure, sperm concentration in unit area, sperm morphology with division to primary and secondary defects. The results were worked out statistically. The research proved that the semen properties depend on a given individual. Statistically, there are no significant differences with the exception of one morphological abnormality, i.e. sperm with proximal cytoplasmic droplet. A significantly higher percentage of the defect was found with New Zealand white rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]