Changes in the activity of some lysosomal enzymes and in the fine structure of submandibular gland due to experimental diabetes.

The aim of this study was to establish and quantify changes in the activities of the some lysosomal enzymes and to determine the type of changes in the ultrastructure of the submandibular gland in rabbits caused during progression of diabetes. The experiment was conducted on 89 New Zealand rabbit males. Diabetes was induced by the intravenous administration of 10% alloxan solution at a dose of 10-mg/kg-body weight. On the seventh day after alloxan administration, the level of glucose in blood was determined. Rabbits were divided into five groups: intact (n=18), 21-day diabetes (n=18), 42-day diabetes (n=17), 90-day diabetes (n=19) and 180-day diabetes (n=17). From killed animals in each group, the submandibular glands were removed and fixed or stored. Enzyme activities were assayed by spectrophotometric methods using substrates (Sigma) which release 4-methyloumbeliferol when they react with the proteases. Fixation procedure was done according to standard methods. Semi-thin and ultra-thin specimens were prepared by use of clearly visible after 42 days of diabetes. Mitochondria were damaged, accumulation of large amounts of lipids in the intracellular spaces was observed. After 90 days the presence of vacuoli and swollen lysosomes were observed, some cells also contained myelin figures. After 180 days the greatest changes were observed in the blood vessels, which had thickened walls and were often occluded. We concluded that the total activity of acid phosphatase and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase in the submandibular gland was correlated with the level of glucose but there was no correlation between total beta-galactosidase activity and the serum concentration level of glucose has been detected during course of diabetes. The activities of the free fractions of acid phosphatase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase in the submandibular gland were higher than the bound fractions in all groups of rabbits. The changes in the ultrastructure of the submandibular gland were correlated with changes in serum glucose level and with lysosomal enzymes activities during progression of experimental diabetes in rabbits.

[The effect of heparin on the course of some organ complications in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats]. / Wplyw heparyny na przebieg niektórych powiklan narzadowych w doswiadczalnym ostrym zapaleniu trzustki u szczurów.

The aim of this study was to present whether the heparin has on influence on course of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) and some organ complications. The research referred to histological changes in liver, lungs and kidneys. The study was conducted on 69 rats divided into 5 groups: I--operated, without induction AP, II--control, induction of AP without treatment, III--induction of AP and immediate administration of heparin, IV--induction of AP and administration of heparin 3 hours after, V--induction of AP and administration of heparin 6 hours after. AP was induced by administration 5% sodium taurocholate. In all groups the animals were anesthetised after the period of 3, 6 and 12 hours from the induction of AP respectively. The specimens of mentioned organs were formalinized and stained with hematoxylin/eosin, and in addition specimens of the liver with p.a.S, Sudan IV and Brachets methods. In group I we observed pulmonary oedema after 6 and 12 hours but kidneys and liver were unchanged. In group II pathological changes were most evident in lungs, while we observed on acute passive hyperaemia, pulmonary emphysema and single coagulative thrombosis in vessels. In the liver number of lining cells was increased and minor or major droplets of lipids in hepatocytes were present. Using Brachets method we revealed regular staining of hepatocytes, and p.a.S. method regular staining of their cytoplasm. In group III examined organs do not show any significant differences as compared with group II, except for lungs where the coagulative thrombosis was not present. In groups IV and V changes were similar to those described in group II. This study showed decreased inflammatory and thrombotic process in lungs in experimental AP in rats after heparin treatment.