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The immunotropic effects of the probiotic complex Bactistatin (the complex contains metabolites of Bacillus subtilis) used simultaneously with oral doxycycline during different periods of time (1, 5, 10 and 20 days) were estimated. The dynamics of the changes in the nonspecific immunity factors under the effect of the above mentioned products or their combination (bactistatin + doxycycline) during the treatment of different duration was demonstrated. It was found that the oral administration of the metabolic probiotic bactistatin to experimental animals during 1-10 days increased the activity of the nonspecific resistance factors. The immunotropic effects of the product were evident at the level of the cells of the blood phagocytic system and the processes related to synthesis of such enzymes as lysozyme and myeloperoxidase and their release into the blood stream. Comparatively rapid increase of the functional activity of the factors was registered even after a single administration of the product. When the combination of the products (bactistatin + doxycycline) was administered to the animals during a fixed period of time (10 days) significant activation of the nonspecific immunity factors was observed. In perspective the findings will allow to optimize the basic regimens of antibacterial therapy and urgent (postcontact) prevention of infectious diseases.

Characteristics of Bacillus subtilis metabolites contained in supernatants of its broth cultures are described. Metabolites contained bacterium-produced biologically active components ensuring cells growth and propagation. These components had bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora of gastrointestinal tract of human and animals. Enzymes produced by the bacterium (amylase, protease, cellulose-decomposing enzyme, lipase, pectinase) increased antagonistic properties of preparation and promote its probiotic effect.

Approaches to increasing the efficacy of the regimens for emergency prevention and treatment of infectious diseases with combined use of antibiotics, immunomodulators and probiotic metabolites are examined. On the basis of multi-factorial statistical analysis optimization of the use of such agents is discussed.

The article is a review of data, revealing scientifically proven approaches to correction of human microbiocenosis disturbances with the help of microbe probiotics, produced on the basis of synergic components and properties of B. subtilis culture 3.

This is an overview of investigations performed in actual and simulated flights to study the effects of microgravity and acceleration, space cabin and space suit artificial atmosphere on the respiratory function. The conceptual prediction of the effects that the space environment produces on the respiratory system suggests the following changes in respiration, gas exchange, and acid-base equilibrium: respiration biomechanics; gas diffusion and ventilation-perfusion ratios in the lungs; regulation of respiration and function of respiratory muscles; lung hydration and blood filling; respiratory changes in acid-base equilibrium and blood gases. Besides, the combined effect of microgravity, acceleration, low barometric pressure and modified gas composition may cause lung atelectases and concomitant disorders in pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange. These changes may have an adverse effect on the health condition and physical work capacity.

Time course variations in the ventilation and gas exchange functions of the lungs, gas composition and acid-base equilibrium of blood were investigated in 22 male test subjects, aged 27-49 years, who were kept in the head-down position (-8 degrees) and rocked in parallel swings. The subjects susceptible to motion sickness developed lung hyperventilation and concomitant alveolar-arterial hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis which may potentiate a symptom-complex of vestibular disorders. To control hypocapnia, the subjects used a hypercapnic breathing mixture (4% CO2, 96% air). This eliminated the above changes in the gas composition and acid-base equilibrium of blood, and in 7 out of 10 subjects alleviated vestibular symptoms and elongated the time of motion tolerance. In addition, the prophylactic effect of hypercapnic exposure showed individual variations which seem to be associated with individual sensitivity of the respiratory center to hypercapnic stimulation.

The effect of 7-day water immersion combined at night with head-down (6 degrees) tilting on the volumes of lung expiratory closing was examined in 6 healthy male test subjects, aged 25-35. During immersion they showed, along with a stable reduction of the lung vital and functional residual capacity (by 4.2 and 14.8%, respectively), an increase in the fraction parameters of the expiratory closing volumes. The increase in the closing volume (up to 40%) (P less than 0.05) was particularly distinct on immersion day 2. Subsequent changes indicated gradual recovery of the closing volumes and a decline in regional nonuniformity of lung ventilation. The time-course variations in the closing volumes may be attributed to an increase in the intrapulmonary blood volume at the early stage of adaptation to immersion and to a decrease in the nonuniformity of the ventilation-perfusion ratios.

Lung volumes and forced expiratory volumes during 3-hour water immersion as well as in the upright and supine positions were measured. Water immersion up to the neck decreased the functional residual capacity, peak and maximum velocities of air flows during inspiration and expiration with various lung volumes and increased the forced expiratory time and pulmonary time constant. These changes seem to be produced by a higher inelastic resistance as well as by additional hydrostatic pressure upon the chest and abdomen. During the transfer from the upright to the supine position these changes were identical but of smaller magnitude.