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Objective: Determination of prevalence of genital chlamydiosis in similar group of adolescents as in that examined two years ago. Comparison of the results with the previous ones to confirm positive impact of a repeated screening on drop of prevalence of the infection. Another objective is to make the epidemiological data on genital chlamydiosis in the countries of the "Eastern Block" more accurate, and at the same time to assess the most suitable screening method., Design: Prospective epidemiological study aimed at finding whether the repeated screening examinations of genital chlamydiosis in adolescents will result in decreased incidence of the infection., Setting: Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Clinical Microbiology of the Faculty Hospital, Regional Hygienic Station, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno., Methods: The groups under testing comprised male and female students of two secondary medical schools and one private grammar school older than 18 (n = 232, of which 33 were boys and 199 girls). Direct detection of C. trachomatis was carried out from the urinary sediment of the sample of morning urine using ligase reaction, polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and direct immunofluorescence., Results: Identical positive result of C. trachomatis detection by four methods was obtained 4 times, i.e. 1.7%. The result of LCR and PCR were positive identically (4 times), ELISA and IF were, besides the above results, positive in other 1 resp. 5 cases., Conclusion: Screening examinations of genital chlamydiosis were performed in adolescents in the town of Brno. Morning samples of urine from 232 students of secondary schools were examined on C. trachomatis using the following methods: LCR, PCR, ELISA, and IF. The LCR and PCR were positive 4 times, ELISA 5 times, IF 9 times. Positive results by LCR and PCR were identical. ELISA and IF were positive in other cases. Noninvasive methods are suitable for screening of latent genital chlamydiosis and for estimation of its prevalence. The authors of the study recommend the ligase chain reaction (LCR) as a most suitable screening method.

Objective: To run a screening for genital chlamydiosis in adolescents living in the town Brno as the first action of this type in the Czech Republic and to use the results of the screening for the elaboration of recommendations for running similar actions on the national scale., Design: Prospective epidemiological study., Setting: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno; Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague; Section of Public Health, Municipal Authorities of Brno; Bioplus Ltd., Brno; Regional Hygienic Services, Brno; Faculty Hospital Brno; with technical assistance of teachers and students of two Medical Assistant Schools in Brno., Methods: Students (337 females and 15 males) of two Medical Assistant Schools, older than 18 years, were used as probands within the study. Sediments of the first portions of urine collected from the individual probands were tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using the direct fluorescent test, ELISA, and the ligase chain reaction., Results: Positive reactions in any of the three tests were found in 31 of the 352 probands (8.8%). Positive and doubtful reactions in the direct fluorescent antibody test were obtained in 11 (35.5%) and 3 (9.6%) of the 31 reactors, respectively. The corresponding values for ELISA were 9 (23.0%) and 8 (25.8%), respectively, and those for the ligase chain reaction 3 (16.6%) and 3 (16.6%), respectively. The overall prevalence of 8.8% is higher than the European mean., Conclusions: The first limited screening for genital Chlamydia infections in the Czech Republic was run in Brno. Urinary samples were collected from 337 females and 15 males aged approximately 18 years. The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the urinary sediment was demonstrated by the direct fluorescent test, ELISA, and the ligase chain reaction. The established prevalence of 8.8% exceeded the European mean (3.9%).

Effects of oral intake of nitrates on selected biochemical and endocrinological indices and its impact on reproductive functions were investigated in five feeder bulls aged 16-18 months. The bulls were tested prior to (30 days), during (30 days) and after (35 days) the period of the nitrate administration. The initial dose of 100 g potassium nitrate per day was increased at weekly intervals by 50 g up to 250 g per day. The administration of nitrates resulted in a highly significant (P < 0.01) increase in methaemoglobin concentration and a non-significant decrease in the concentration of beta-carotene and a highly significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the concentration of E vitamin in blood serum. A significant (P < 0.01) increase in blood serum concentration of bile acids and prolonged biological half-life of progesterone were suggestive of an impairment of liver metabolism. Prolonged intake of excessive doses of nitrates resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in cortisol concentration during and after the administration period, while depressed thyroid gland activity was evident from a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in thyroxin concentration during the administration period. A suppression of hypothalamic functions after the administration period was documented by non-detectable levels (< 0.001 microgram/ml) of thyrotropin in TRH test. Depressive effects of nitrates on the function of Leydig cells during and particularly after the administration period were apparent from weakening testicular responses to a treatment with GnRH. Biochemical analyses of seminal plasma revealed a highly significant (P < 0.01) increase in total acid phosphatase activity and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the concentration of fructose. No other significant changes in seminal plasma components were observed. Adverse effects of excessive intake of nitrates were also evident from reduced sperm motility in the 120-min thermal test. While no difference was found in the frequency of primary morphological abnormalities, the number of secondary abnormalities rose by 115% in the post-administration period and was suggestive of damaged membrane integrity. Histological examinations revealed degenerative lesions in cells of the spermiocyte and spermatid layers.

The authors pay attention to the relationship of pregnancy in women enlisted in the IVF programme and the detection of Chlamydia infection. A group of 74 infertile couples were investigated. A significant relationship was found between confirmed Chlamydia infection in women and men. Moreover a significant relationship was found between Chlamydia infection confirmed by immunofluorescence in men and impregnation in women in the IVF programme. This means that in female partners of men with acute Chlamydia infection the results of IVF are less successful. The authors recommend that all couples enlisted in the IVF programme should be examined for this infection and if it is positive given adequate treatment.

A set of 4,178 human blood sera was tested including 3,093 samples collected from blood donors, 624 randomly collected samples. 124 samples collected from persons possibly exposed to Chlamydia infection, and 337 samples from patients of various hospitals in the districts of Brno, Olomouc and Rumburk. All the sera were examined using the complement fixation microtest and the antigen of Chlamydia psittaci for CFR (Bioveta, Ivanovice na Hané, CzR). Moreover, a subset of samples collected from selected groups (n = 209) was tested by CFR using the genus-specific Ornithose-Antigen (Behring, Germany) (n = 209), another subset of 116 samples by indirect immunofluorescence using the biological Chlamydia trachomatis Spot IF (Bio Merieux) (n = 116), and a subset of 224 samples by ELISA for the demonstration of IgG, IgM and IgA class of antibodies using the kit rELISA Medac. Complement fixing antibodies assayed with the Chlamydia psittaci antigen (Bioveta), reached titres of 1.5, 1:10 and 1:20 in 15.5%, 5.29% and 0.48% of the randomly collected samples, respectively. The corresponding values for the tests carried out with the Ornithose-Antigen were 1:10 in 10.9%, 1:20 in 8.9%, 1:40 in 2.9% and 1:80 in 1.4%. ELISA yielded 52.7%, 26.85% and 17.59% positive results in the globulin classes IgG, IgA and IgM, respectively. Antibody titres from 1:20 and from 1:10, determined with the Bioveta antigen, were found in 2.36% and 9.47% within a representative group of blood donors. The corresponding values for the group of the hospitalized patients were 14.54% and 24.93%, respectively, and for the group of persons possibly exposed to Chlamydia infection 2.42% and 8.87% respectively. The indirect immunofluorescence test yielded positive, negative ad doubtful results in 47.41%, 27.59% and 25.0% persons of the latter group. This group showed also a higher percentage (37.07%) of positive results in ELISA in the class IgA than the randomly selected persons.

Clinical findings in cows of seven farms with a frequent occurrence of birth canal inflammations were matched against results of serological and direct immunofluorescence tests for Chlamydia sp. infection. Normal clinical picture, weak to moderate and serious inflammations were found in 16.1%, 46.7% and 37.2% of the 205 examined cows, respectively. The results of micro CFT were negative in 32.7% and titres 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, and 1: > or = 40 were found in 8.7%, 38.0%, 12.3%, and 8.3%, respectively. Direct immunofluorescence test of cervical swabs, using the Progen Biotechnic GmbH set, was negative in 29.1% and clearly positive in 34.7% of the tested cows. The rest was animals in which sporadic elementary bodies were seen. The significance of the findings is discussed and the necessity to test Chlamydia infections in herds affected by frequent and/or chronic inflammations of genital organs is stressed. Evidence of the transmission of Chlamydia infection by contaminated semen is presented.

Attempts were made to detect Chlamydia sp. by direct immunofluorescence (IF) in intestinal and lung tissues collected from wild town pigeons, young reared pigeons, and human corpses. Chlamydia in any organ were detected in 86.6% of the 427 adult pigeons and 27.3% of 16 young pigeons. Positive IF results were in intestinal and lung samples, collected from 427 adult pigeons, in 34.3% and 40.05% of the birds, respectively. Human (n = 100) intestinal and lung tissues were positive in 22% and 20% of the corpses, respectively. Titres 1:20 and higher were demonstrated by CF in 53.86% of the 427 adult pigeons. The highest titre found was 1:5 120.

Frequency of elementary and reticular chlamydial bodies was investigated by direct immunofluorescence tests in ejaculates collected from 52 men, 60 stallions, 42 bulls, and 66 boars using the kits of Progen Biotechnic GmbH and the microscope Labophot-2 Nikon. At the same time, qualitative semen tests, including ejaculate volume, sperm motility, percentage of live and dead sperms and morphological' analyses (Vĕzník and Svecová, 1992) were done. Repeatability of the findings was checked in a group of nine bulls housed at the institute and sampled at weekly intervals for 3 to 4 months (Tab. 1). Chlamydiae were demonstrated in 3.8%, 14.3%, 3.4% and 9.1% of the human, bull, stallion and boar ejaculates, respectively (Fig. 1). A relation between the presence of Chlamydiac and impaired functional and morphological quality of ejaculates was found in contaminated human (only two samples) and bull ejaculates (Fig. 2) and in one of the two positive stallion ejaculates (Tab. II, Fig. 3). Direct tests for Chlamydiae should be included into semen health and quality checks as one of the major tasks of assisted reproduction in human and veterinary medicine.

Base average testosterone levels and testosterone levels in 60 and 90 min after GnRH administration were determined in bulls at five breeder bull rearing stations at their age of 13 months and at nine A. I. stations at their age of 17-34 months. Significant increases in testosterone levels in 60 and 90 min after GnRH administration were the responses of all groups of bulls. There were differences between the average testosterone levels typical of the various BRSs and AISs. Highly significant correlation coefficients 0.344 for base levels and 0.583 for induced levels were calculated from a comparison of the testosterone levels determined at BRSs at the bull's age of 13 months and of those recorded after a six-month stay of the same bulls at AISs. A decrease in testosterone levels was also observed.

The response of bulls' testicular cells to the stimulation by serum gonadotropin ad us. vet. (Bioveta, Ivanovice in Haná) was investigated in in vitro tests. The testicular tissue was sliced, collagenase-split and the loosened cells were stimulated by gonadotropin concentrations of 7.8 to 250 I U per l; control samples without gonadotropin treatment were used for comparisons. The testicular cells responded to the increasing stimulation by higher production of testosterone.

The ability of mouse testicular tissue to respond to stimulation by a commercial preparation of human choriongonadotropin (Praedyn Spofa) was tested in vitro, using whole testes, fragments and cell suspension. In each experiment seven gonadotropin concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 50 i. u. per litre were tested, and the results were compared with the group of control samples without gonadotropin. The incubation of whole testes with gonadotropin of different concentrations was performed in five vessels, each containing one testis; the fragments were incubated in four vessels, each containing four fragments from different testes, and the cell suspension in triplicates containing 1 . 10(6) cells per ml. All three types of tissue reacted to the increasing concentrations of stimulating agent by the increasing production of testosterone, the concentration of which was determined by radioimmunoassay. For the suppression of the individuality and for achieving a uniform response of the individual samples with each stimulation, the cell suspension of testes from several animals appears to be most suitable.

The determination of progesterone in milk sampled on the day of insemination is used for fertilization check in dairy cattle. Thus, the corpus luteum function confirms insemination failures due to the false estrus. By this way it is possible to detect 10 to 20 per cent of cows which cannot be successfully inseminated. Further estimation is performed 3 weeks after the insemination when low concentration of progesterone reflects an insemination failure. By this way it is possible to follow up cows inseminated without success and without any clinical symptoms of the next estrus. The repeated estimation of progesterone can objectively monitor the corpus luteum function. This is of great importance for the confirmation of puerperal anestrus, diagnosis of fertility disorders and/or assessment of therapy of sexual cycle disorders.

The effectiveness of GnRH (Luliberin) and goat anti-PMSG serum prepared at the Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, was studied during the superovulation of heifers treated with PMSG and Estrumate. The use of GnRH did not exert any positive influence on superovulation, as compared with the control groups,. when anti-PMSG serum was administered five hours from the determined beginning of oestrus (46-53 hours from the first administration of Estrumate), the length of oestrus was reduced in comparison with the control group (25.8 and 51.3 h), the number of 22.3). The tested heifers produced 17.8 ova, on an average, out of which (4.1 and 22.3). The tested heifers produced 17.8 ova, on an average, out of which 12.5 were good-quality embryos. The control heifers produced 6.9 ova including 2.9 embryos. The obtained results provide convincing evidence of the promising results of the use of goat anti-PMSG serum during the superovulation cattle.

The activity of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum gonadotropin (PMSG) was studied by a bioassay in vitro, using the cells of mouse testes prepared by the combination of enzymatic and mechanical diffociation. The activity of individual preparations was calculated according to the amount of produced testosterone measured by radioimmunoassay. Comparison with the 2nd international standard of PMSG (WHO) showed that in the PMSG substandard (Dessau) the activity of LH was twice lower, and in three charges of the commercial PMSG preparation (Bioveta, Ivanovice in Haná) four-and-a-half times lower than declared. No great variability of LH activity was observed among the charges of the commercial PMSG preparation.

The long-acting oxytocin (OT) analog 1-desamino-1-monocarba-E12-Tyr(OMe)]-OT(dCOMOT) was given IV to 13 pregnant cows near to term, but not in actual labor. The animals were para 1 to 5. Of these cows, four were treated with 20 mg of dexamethoasone 48 hours before the peptide was injected; the remaining nine animals were given no other medication. The animals usually were given a single injection of 5 mg of dCOMOT into the jugular veiw (5 to 7 micrograms/kg of body weight). In those instances where delivery was not complete within six hours, a second injection of peptide was given. In all instances, the first injection initiated labor as judged by the behavior of both uterus and cow. In most instances, there was also intermittent spurting of colostrum from the udder over a six-hour period after injection. In the four cows treated first with dexamethasone, the mean duration of induced labor was 4.35 hours after dCOMOT injection. In the nine non-treated cows, the mean duration of induced labor was 14.25 hours. The difference between the two values was significant. For both groups separately, and all data together, there was a linear inverse relation between the size of the external ostium uteri at injection and the duration of labor after peptide injection. All calves were healthy with no signs of hypoxia and the dose rates used did not result in any instance of uterine tetany or tachyphylaxis.

Over the period of two years, the blood serum of dairy cows from three localities was examined repeatedly for the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) (AST), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) (ALT) and gammaglutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.1) (GMT). First examinations were performed two to four weeks before the expected term of delivery, the repeated examinations between the sixth and eighth week after delivery. The results obtained were used to calculate AST/ALT and GMT/ALT indexes in the studied group of animals (n = 12). As found out, the decrease in these indexes or the equality of values from the sixth to the eighth week after delivery, as compared with the period of two to four weeks prior to delivery, were connected with the clinically detectable disturbances of puerperium, i. e. inflammable discharge from the reproductive organs of dairy cows; this was observed even in the cases when the enzymatic activity was within the references standards.

A hundred and ten days direct contact of pigs with wooden grates impregnated with Pentor 70 did not result in the arising of any obvious changes or reactions in the skin or in the lowering of efficiency. A per os intake of feed mixture with a content of 3 p. c. of sawdust impregnated with Pentor 70 resulted in the lowering of efficiency and in the arising of pathological changes in the digestive tract and in the livers. In experiments performed with rats, the contact with the impregnated sawdust and also the combination of the contact and per os acceptance resulted in changes in the respiratory organs of rats and in young rats in mortality. A limiting factor regarding the use of Pentor 70 in premises intended for pigs is the danger of gnawing impregnated wooden objects.

The cells of the testes of mice were enzymatically separated and the amount of Leydig cells was determined in different stages of dispersion and after washing the separated tissue. This amount ranged from 2 to 9%. The largest quantity of Leydig cells (9%) was obtained when separated tubuli were washed. The response of cell suspensions at seven concentrations stimulated by human chorion gonadotrophin (HCG) was tested. Cell suspension concentrations from 5.3 x 10(5) to 1.4 x 10(6) cells/ml were found to be satisfactory. After two to three hours of incubation, the values of testosterone could be used for the determination of the activity of gonadotropic preparations.

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.