Effects of chronic exposure to PCBs on cytochrome P450 systems and steroidogenesis in liver and testis of bulls (Bos taurus).

Effects of chronic exposure to PCBs on the microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in liver and testis of bulls (Bos taurus) were determined by comparing the constitutive and PCB-induced alkoxyresorufin O-dealkylase and testosterone hydroxylase activities. Specific inductions of the prevailing hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation and 6 beta-hydroxylation of testosterone are suggestive of the induction of CYP1A1 and CYP3A-like enzymes by PCBs. A high level of PCB-inducible androstenedione formation was also found. The hepatic CYP2B activities (i.e. pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase and testosterone 16 beta-hydroxylase) and CYP2C11-like testosterone 2 alpha-hydroxylase were increased only weakly. The testicular microsomal CYP activities were non-specifically reduced by the PCB exposure, except for the androstenedione formation and 16 beta-hydroxylation of testosterone. The inhibition of the activity of mitochondrial CYP11A, as the rate-limiting enzyme of steroidogenesis measured with resorufin 3 beta-hydroxy-22,23-bisnor-5-cholenyl ether as the fluorogenic substrate, exceeded 50% in testes of the PCB-contaminated bulls. The latter activity as well as the hepatic testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation and hepatic and testicular androstenedione formation may significantly contribute to the decrease in testosterone levels after the PCB intake.

[Evaluation and occurrence of high-risk pollutants in animal feed factories]. / Zhodnocení výskytu rizikových polutantu ve výrobnách krmných smesí.

Concentrations of some hazardous pollutants were studied in dust deposit samples (n = 30) taken from the indoor equipment of two feed mixture plants (FMP) in Hodonín district in 1995 and 1996; the pollutants involved mercury, cadmium, lead, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), alpha and beta hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), lindane (gamma HCH), DDT sum, DDT isomers, polychlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103, Delor 106, PCB indicator congeners). The statistically significantly higher (P < 0.01) average concentration of mercury (0.028 mg/kg) was recorded in dust depositions (n = 15) in FMP K. in comparison with FMP R. Increased concentrations of cadmium (more than 0.5 mg/kg) were determined in dust depositions in FMP K. in 1 sample (0.582 mg/kg), of lead (more than 5.0 mg/kg) in 1 sample (7.540 mg/kg), of HCB (more than 0.01 mg/kg) in two samples (0.034 and 0.036 mg/kg), of beta HCH (more than 0.005 mg/kg) in 4 samples (0.021; 0.022; 0.023 and 0.046 mg/kg), higher DDT sum (more than 0.05 mg/kg) were determined in FMP K. in 3 samples (0.072; 0.085 and 0.190 mg/kg) and of PCB sum (more than 0.05 mg/kg) in 4 samples (0.054; 0.059; 0.074 and 1.085 mg/kg). In comparison with FMP K., dust depositions (n = 15) in FMP R. showed the statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) average concentration of lead (5.241 mg/kg). Increased concentrations of lead were determined in dust depositions in FMP R. in 7 samples (5.040; 5.230; 6.760; 7.590; 7.620; 8.450 and 15.650 mg/kg), of beta HCH in 7 samples (0.006; 0.008; 0.022; 0.024; 0.026; 0.029 and 0.049 mg/kg), higher DDT sum were recorded in 3 samples (0.053; 0.074 and 0.126 mg/kg) and higher PCB sum in 8 samples (0.057; 0.066; 0.101; 0.134; 0.164; 0.426; 0.821 and 1.202 mg/kg). The highest average concentration of hazardous pollutants in dust depositions (n = 30) in both feed mixture plants was determined in lead (4.122 mg/kg), in a descending order followed by PCB sum (0.151 mg/kg), cadmium (0.127 mg/kg), DDT sum (0.030 mg/kg), mercury (0.019 mg/kg), lindane (0.013 mg/kg), beta HCH (0.010 mg/kg), HCB (0.004 mg/kg and alpha HCH (0.001 mg/kg). Out of PCB indicator congeners, dust depositions contained the highest quantities of congener 138 (0.022 mg/kg), congener 180 (0.018 mg/kg) and congener 153 (0.015 mg/kg). Isomer p,p-DDT was dominant in dust depositions among DDT isomers (0.019 mg/kg). Dust depositions sampled from the indoor equipment of feed mixture plants are a promising indicator of produced feed mixtures contamination with hazardous pollutants. To seek sources of feed mixtures contamination is a permanent task of veterinary service.

Effects of environmental pollutants on the porcine and bovine immune systems.

Immunological examinations were done in 30 fattening pigs from three swine farms (D., M., T.) and 20 dairy cows from one cattle farm (N.) in the district of Hodonín in 1994. At the same time, samples of stable dust deposits collected in the four farms were analysed for the contents of mercury, cadmium, lead, gamma-HCH (lindane), and total DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Decreased blood level of lysozyme (0.92 mg/l) was found in the swine herd D. Ten percent of the pigs in the herd were affected with purulent skin lesions. The concentrations of the pollutants under study in the dust deposits collected in the herd D. were low. An increased concentration of PCB (0.263 mg/kg) in stable dust but no adverse effects on the immune system were found in the swine herd M. Eosinophilia (6.2%), increased extensity of Ascaris suum infection (25%) and a high content of lead in stable dust (11.2 mg/kg) were typical of the swine herd T. A high content of lindane (0.139 mg/kg) and an extremely high content of lead (214 mg/kg), which can participate in the immunosuppression of lymphocytes, were found in the cattle herd N. The activity of lymphocytes was depressed in 35% of the cows and the mean value was at the lower limit of the physiological range. Hazardous pollutants can affect the immune system of farm animals and their penetration into the stable environment should be prevented.

[Occurrence of harmful pollutants in fattened pigs]. / Zhodnocení výskytu rizikových polutantu u výkrmových prasat.

Fourteen fattened pigs (age of 240-250 days, live weight 110-120 kg) were examined on three farms (D., M. and T.) in Hodonin district in 1994 for the content of some harmful pollutants (mercury, cadmium, lead, lindane, DDT sum, DDT isomers, lower and higher chlorinated biphenyls, PCB congeners) in the muscle, liver, kidneys and subcutaneous fat. Maximum allowable quantities (MAQ) of extraneous matters were slightly exceeded in mercury only, in 5 samples of the muscle (0.012-0.022 mg/kg). In comparison with the average contents of extraneous matters in pigs in the Czech Republic in 1994, higher concentrations of mercury (0.009 mg/kg), lead (0.124 mg/kg), lindane (0.060 mg/kg fat) and DDT sum (0.083 mg/kg) were observed in the muscle of pigs from Hodonín district. The liver of the pigs contained the highest average concentrations of lead (0.141 mg/kg), lindane (0.280 mg/kg fat), DDT sum (0.323 mg/kg fat), p,p'-DDE (0.106 mg/kg fat), p,p'-DDT (0.057 mg/kg fat). PCB-Delor 103 (0.415 mg/kg fat), PCB-Delor 106 (0.561 mg/kg fat) and PCB 118 congener (0.029 mg/kg fat). The highest average values of mercury (0.014 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.147 mg/kg) were determined in the kidneys of pigs. The ratio of lower-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103) to higher-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 106) was approximately 1 : 3 in the muscle, 1 : 1 in the liver and 1 : 2 in subcutaneous fat. The per cent share of three PCB congeners, 101, 138 and 153, was highest in the muscle, liver and subcutaneous fat of pigs. The pigs from Hodonín district exhibited in 1994 the greater load of mercury, lead, lindane and DDT than in other regions of the Czech Republic, but these values did not mostly exceed the hygienic limits in force. It is desirable to observe the spectrum of indicator PCB congeners for objective evaluation of PCB load in pigs, as they indicate the contamination level with lower- and higher-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103 to Delor 106). Greater attention should be paid to the congener PCB 118, which is the most toxic out of the indicator congeners concerned.

[Occurrence of harmful chemical elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in pig stalls]. / Výskyt rizikových chemických prvku (Hg, Cd, Pb) ve stájovém prostredí chovú prasat.

The presence of harmful chemical elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in the stable environment for fattened pigs was compared in Hodonin district in the years 1984 and 1994. These data were recorded for the year 1994 in comparison with 1984: 1, mercury content in feed mixtures for pigs decreased 102 times (0.510 and/or 0.005 mg/kg), cadmium content 8 times (0.400 and/or 0.048 mg/kg) and lead content 6 times (2,680 and/or 0.420 mg/kg); 2. mercury content in stable dust deposition decreased 27 times (0.480 and/or 0.018 mg/kg) and cadmium content 6 times (1.370 and/or 0.248 mg/kg), but lead content slightly increased (5.980 and/or 8.569 mg/kg); 3. mercury content in the bristles dropped 20 times (0.440 and/or 0.022 mg/kg), cadmium content 5 times (0.080 and/or 0.015 mg/kg) and lead content 10 times (1.690 and/or 0.195 mg/kg). In addition, the presence of Hg, Cd and Pb in pig manure and road dust was investigated. Road dust exhibited an increased lead concentration (22.800 mg/kg), so it is not possible to exclude lead penetration from the stable surroundings to the internal environment of the stable. After application to arable land, pig manure can be a vector of some amounts of heavy metals (Hg 0.003; Cd 0.024; Pb 0.518 mg/kg dry matter). It is a positive result that there has been a significant decrease in mercury and cadmium contents in the stable environment for fattened pigs in the last decade. This fact reduces the health risk not only for pigs but also for their tenders.

[Occurrence of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the stalls and outdoor environment in pig-fattening farms]. / Výskyt chlorovaných pesticidu a polychlorovaných bifenylu ve stáajovém a mimostájovém prostredí farem pro výkrm prasat.

Contents of some pesticides (lindane, DDT sum, o,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103, Delor 106, PCB congeners: 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were investigated on three farms of fattened pigs (D., M. and T) in Hodonín district in 1994, as occurring in feed mixtures (n= 15), drinking water (n = 10), stable sedimented dust (n = 14), slurry (n = 10) and pavement dust (n = 5). Maximum permissible contents (MPC) of extraneous matters in feed mixtures were exceeded in lindane (two samples) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). MPC of extraneous matters were not exceeded in drinking waters in any of the samples examined. Feed mixtures were found to have the highest average lindane content (0.054 mg/kg) and PCB sum (0.24 mg/kg); the ratio of lower chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103) to higher chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 106) was 12:1; out of the PCB congeners, the highest amounts were determined for congeners 28 (0.067 mg/kg) and 52 (0.022 mg/kg); among the DDT isomers, isomer p,p'-DDT was prevailing (0.008 mg/kg). Drinking water had the 1:1 ratio of lower chlorinated to higher chlorinated biphenyls; out of the PCB congeners, the highest amounts were found out for congeners 28 (2.574 ng/l) and 101 (2.066 ng/l); among the DDT isomers, isomer p,p'-DDE was prevailing (1.887 ng/l). Stable dust was found to have the highest average level of DDT sum (0.026 mg/kg); the ratio of lower chlorinated to higher chlorinated biphenyls was 1:7; out of the PCB congeners, the highest amounts were determined for congeners 138 (0.036 mg/kg) and 153 (0.030 mg/kg); among the DDT isomers, isomer p,p'-DDE was prevailing (0.012 mg/kg). Slurry showed the 1:6 ratio of lower chlorinated to higher chlorinated biphenyls; out of the PCB congeners, the highest amounts were found out for congeners 138 (0.016 mg/kg dry matter) and 153 (0.014 mg/kg dry matter); among the DDT isomers, isomer p,p'-DDT was prevailing (0.005 mg/kg dry matter). Pavement dust had the 1:5 ratio of lower chlorinated to higher chlorinated biphenyls; out of the PCB congeners, the highest amounts were found out for congeners 138 (0.016 mg/kg) and 153 (0.012 mg/kg); among the DDT isomers, isomer p,p'-DDE was prevailing (0.005 mg/kg). Examination of feed mixtures and drinking waters will provide basic data on pollutant inputs to the stable environment. Stable sedimented dust is considered as an outstanding indicator of pollutant contamination of stable environment, regardless whether it comes from feed or other sources. Slurry examination will provide additional information on the total pollutant load of pig farms, informing us about outputs of extraneous matters residues from pig farms. Pavement dust examination indicates the level of pollutant load of outside stable environment as the pollutants can occasionally penetrate to the internal stable environment.

Mutagenicity of stable dust and drinking water on swine and cattle farms.

Single pilot examinations of mutagenicity of stable dust and drinking water were made on three swine farms (D., M., T.) and one cattle farm (N.) in the district of Hodonín in summer 1994. The mutagenicity was examined by the Ames test using the indicator strains Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 with (+S9) or without (-S9) metabolic activation. At the same time the contents of selected pesticides (PES) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in stable dust and drinking water and that of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in stable dust were determined. Increased mutagenicity was demonstrated in drinking water (strain TA 98 with metabolic activation; index Rt/Rk 3.6-7.7) and stable dust (strain TA 100 with metabolic activation; index Rt/Rk 2.2) collected on the swine farm M. High contents of PAH (8.246 mg/kg) and PCB (0.263 mg/kg) were also found in the dust samples collected on this farm. Only drinking water showed mutagenic activity (strain TA 98 without metabolic activation; index Rt/Rk 2.6) on the swine farm D. On both the farms, the number of revertants was dose-dependent. Increased content of PAH (2.553 mg/kg) was also demonstrated on the dust samples collected on the farm D. No significant increase (twofold or higher when compared with negative controls) of mutagenic activity of stable dust or drinking water was demonstrable on the swine farm T. and the cattle farm N. Substances responsible for the mutagenicity of drinking water on the farms D. and M. have not yet been identified. Anyway, the increase of mutagenicity of stable dust and drinking water should be taken as a warning that mutagens that can jeopardise animal and human health have penetrated into the stable environment.

[Ecotoxicologic relations on a large pig-fattening farm located in a lignite mining area and near and solid-fuel electical power plant]. / Ekotoxikologické vztahy ve velkovýkrmne prasat lokalizované v oblasti tezby lignitu a tepelné elektrárny.

Major contaminants identified in 1983-1984 on a pig fattening farm with an output of 60,000 pigs per annum, located in a lignite mining area and near a solid fuel power plant, were mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium and aflatoxin B1 (Tab. I, II, III, IV). Feed samples were collected from througs to assess the contamination load at feed uptake. Permissible concentrations of mercury, chromium, cadmium, aflatoxin B1, lead and atrazin in the feed were exceeded in 56, 50, 31, 19, 6 and 6% samples, respectively (Tab. I). Stable dust deposits, in which the contaminants concentrate, (Tab. I) proved to be a suitable material for assessing the type and level of environmental contamination. Permissible concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in porcine muscles were exceeded in 65, 51 and 24% samples, respectively (Tab. III). Corresponding values of mercury, cadmium, lead and aflatoxin B1 in the liver were 27, 27, 16 and 3%, respectively (Tab. III) and those of mercury, lead and chromium in kidneys 24, 22 and 5%, respectively (Tab. III). Rather surprisingly, elevated pancreatic concentrations of aflatoxin B1 were found (Tab. IV). Pigs fattened in the contaminated environment (i.e. fed contaminated feed mixtures, inspiring contaminated dust and absorbing percutaneously contaminants form dust deposits on the body surface) showed: 1) Impairment of the genetic apparatus (percentage of aberrant peripheral leucocytes elevated to 6.2%); 2) a certain degree of immunosuppression (concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA reduced by 16.9, 45.1 and 45.0%, respectively); 3) higher feed consumption per 1 kg weight gain (4 kg) and lower average daily weight gain (0.57 kg); 4) increased incidence of health disorders (dermatitis in 25%, pancreatopathy in 13%, liver dystrophy in 8% and femoral fracture in 6% of the pigs). Unfortunately, the authors were not allowed to analyse ash and solid emissions from the power plant. Therefore the share of the emissions in the overall environmental contamination on the fattening farm could not be quantified. The personnel, working in the contaminated environment for a prolonged period, is endangered most of all by stable dust, being exposed to its mechanical, chemical, allergic and infectious effects (Tab. I). In addition to the chemical contaminants, 21 mould genera and species, six mite species and numerous saprophytic and some pathogenic bacteria were demonstrated in stable dust samples in our earlier experiments. Consumption of meat and organs from pigs fattened in a contaminated environment is associated with the risk of an increased uptake of various contaminants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Experimental chronic phenylmercuric chloride poisoning in pigs]. / Experimentální chronická intoxikace prasat fenylmerkurichloridem.

Four gilts, sisters from one litter, aged 70 days and weighing 20-24 kg, were used for a trial. Two experimental gilts (P) were administered an experimental feed mixture containing phenylmercury chloride (40 mg/kg). Two control gilts (K) were fed the same mixture but without phenylmercury chloride. P gilts began to lag behind in their growth from day 60 of the experiment, they manifested nonphysiological postures (dog's sitting posture), paresis of hind limbs and uncoordinated movements. P gilts had cloudy, orange-brown urine from day 70 and from day 75 they began to suffer from diarrhoea. Mercury (Hg) contents in urine and blood serum of P gilts were irregularly variable: urine 0.58-2.15 mg/l, blood serum 0.02-0.37 mg/l. Hg content in excrements of P gilts fluctuated from 23 to 26 mg/kg. Vitamin A concentrations in blood serum and liver decreased in P gilts. Phenylmercury chloride feeding caused mutagenic changes in peripheral lymphocytes of P gilts (an increase in the number of aberrant cells from 2-3% to 8-9%) and reduced IgA, IgM and IgG immunoglobulin levels in blood serum. Pathological lesions were observed in the colon, kidneys and liver. None of the above-mentioned changes were observed in K gilts. Increased resistance to the negative effects of Hg was found in one experimental gilt. In comparison with K gilts, Hg concentrations in P gilts after 130 days of the experiment increased as follows: 427 times in kidneys, 333 times in liver, 106 times in guts, 71 times in pancreas, 53 times in ovaries, 50 times in muscles, 47 times in bristles and 16 times in the brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A practical immunologic skin test for piglets]. / Praktický imunologický kozní test u selat.

At present immune system performance in pigs is decreasing, particularly as a result of environment quality deterioration. Immunological skin tests can also be used to determine the degree of immune system impairment in piglets. A practical immunological skin test was carried out in 48 weaned piglets with the body weight of 15-30 kg. The test was located on the piglets' backs after bristles had been shaved off. The test consists in intradermal injections of a physiological saline (900 micrograms NaCl in 0.1 ml), histamine (100 micrograms in 0.1 ml) and phytohaemagglutinin (0.1 ml; Institute of Sera and Vaccines, Praha). The size of the papule (in 20 minutes) and the size of the induration (in 24 hours) were measured in two perpendicular directions, and the mean value (in mm) was calculated from the measured data. In 20 minutes the average size of the papule was 9.4 mm after the application of the physiological saline and 20.5 mm after histamine application (Fig. 1). In 24 hours after phytohaemagglutinin application the average size of the induration was 15.9 mm (Fig. 2). In twenty minutes the increased reaction to histamine (the papule larger than 24 mm) was observed in four piglets (8.3%); these piglets show the predisposition to allergic diseases (Fig. 3). In another four piglets (8.3%) the decreased reaction to phytohaemagglutinin (endurance of 13 mm and less) was observed in 24 hours; these are piglets with the decreased cellular immunity (Fig. 4). The increased reaction to histamine and the decreased reaction to phytohaemagglutinin were found only in one (2.1%). Piglets with abnormal dermal reaction can represent the risky part of the pig subpopulation which adapt themselves less easily to the stress on large pig farms. A veterinary surgeon and his assistant can examine by this test 20 piglets in the herd. This skin test was recommended as a practical cheap screening test for use in pig herds to evaluate preliminarily the predisposition to allergic diseases and cellular immunity of piglets.

[The effect of estrogens on phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes in heifers and cows]. / Vliv estrogenu na fagocytární aktivitu krevních leukocytu jalovic a krav.

Phagocytic activity of peripheral leucocytes (PA) was measured in heifers during the luteal phase and oestrus and after administration of various doses of oestradiol, in ovariectomized heifers and cows in the early post-partum period. PA was demonstrated in 22.63 +/- 2.49% and 50.61 +/- 3.76% of phagocytes in the luteal phase and oestrus respectively (P less than 0.01, Fig. 1). The phagocytic index (PI) rose parallelly from 2.26 +/- 0.31 to 6.55 +/- 0.64 particles per cell (Fig. 2). Intramuscular administration of a single dose 3 mg of oestradiol dipropionate resulted in an increase of PA from 28.93 +/- 3.34 to 69.60 +/- 3.32 on post-treatment day 3 (P less than 0.05, Fig. 3). A nonsignificant increase of PA was observed in heifers treated with 10 mg oestradiol. Increases of PA and PI in postparturient cows, treated with various doses of oestradiol, were nonsignificant (Fig. 5, 6) owing to a wide variance of the values obtained, which might be due to individual differences in endocrine and metabolic status or to uterine bacterial contamination. The most marked of haematological changes was the increase of eosinophil counts from 317 to 525.10(6).l-1 in a group of cows treated with 10 mg oestradiol and a decrease of the lymphocyte: neutrophil ratio (Tab. I). Both endogenous and exogenous oestrogens stimulate PA of peripheral leucocytes and 3 mg of oestradiol is a sufficient dose to obtain the effect.

[A simple immunologic skin test in piglets]. / Jednoduchý imunologický kozní test u selat.

A simple immunological skin test was carried out on 73 weaned piglets at a weight of 15 to 30 kg. Bristles on the piglets' back were shaved off and 0.1-ml amounts of four substances were injected intradermally. These were an isotonic solution of sodium chloride (900 micrograms NaCl in 0.1 ml), histamine (100 mu g in 0.1 mu l), phytohaemagglutinin (200 mu g in 0.1 ml), and a staphylococcus lysate (STAVA). The sites of administration of the substances were 5 cm apart. The dermal reaction was evaluated 20 minutes, 24 and 48 h after the i.d. administration. The size of the papule (measured after 20 min) and the size of the induration (after 24 and 48 h) were measured in two perpendicular directions and the mean value was calculated from the measured data. The average size of the papule was 8.1 mm 20 min after administration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 19.6 mm 20 min after administration of histamine (HIS). The average size of induration after the administration of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was 13.1 mm after 24 h and 11.0 mm after 48 h. The average size of the papule was 11.1 mm 20 min after the administration of STA, the average size of induration was 10.6 mm 24 h after administration of STA and 8.5 mm after 48 h. Piglets that had papule larger than 15 mm 20 min after HIS administration (after subtracting papule size after NaCl administration) were regarded as piglets susceptible to states of allergy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Levels of progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid in the blood in cows in different types of puerperal conditions]. / Koncentrace progesteronu, 17 beta-estradiolu a 11-hydroxykortikosteroidü v krevní plazme krav pri rozdílném prubehu puerperia.

Changes in progesterone (P4), 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid (11-OHCS) concentrations in blood plasma were determined in daily intervals from the day of parturition to day 15 post partum (p.p.) in cows with physiological puerperium (n = 8), with puerperal endometritis (n = 6), and with placenta retention (n = 6). Cows with puerperium disorders (endometritis, placenta retention) had significantly higher P4 levels in the period from day 3 to day 7 p.p. than cows with physiological puerperium. E2 concentrations decreased to basal values following the parturition in cows with spontaneous parturitions and subsequent expulsion of the placenta. A delayed decrease in E2 concentrations after parturition and a significant increase on day 5 and day 7 p.p. were recorded in the group of animals with placenta retention. Significantly higher levels of 11-OHCS in blood plasma were detected by day 5 or by day 8 p.p. in cows with placenta retention and puerperal endometritis. Extraovarial sources of sexual steroids resulting in endocrine malfunctions are discussed as well as likely consequences for puerperium.

[Immunologic skin tests in piglets]. / Imunologické kozní testy u selat.

Immunological skin tests were carried out in 213 weanling piglets at the weight of 5 to 30 kg. Immediate hypersensitivity was evaluated by help of diagnostic allergens (mould, yeast and bacterial ones), delayed hypersensitivity by help of staphylococcus lysate, cellular immunity (tests de novo) by help of phytohemagglutinin and as common recall antigens were used tuberculin, toxoplasmin, candidic and tetanic antigen. The above substances were applied intradermally to the back of the piglets. For an evaluation of non-specific inflammatory response, sodium lauryl sulphate applied epicutaneously was used. The average reaction to diagnostic allergens (50 PNU in 0.05 ml) evaluated after 20 minutes was characterized as light dermal reactions (the papule size of 3-5 mm); in 22% of piglets moderate dermal reactions (the papule larger than 6 mm) to the diagnostic bacterial allergen (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) were determined. After an intradermal implantation of histamine (50 micrograms in 0.05 ml) the average size of the papule was 13 mm in 20 minutes. After the application of 0.1 ml of staphylococcus lysate (STAVA), the induration exceeding 10 mm was observed in 13% of piglets in 24 hours. After the application of phytohemagglutinin (100 micrograms in 0.1 ml), the induration exceeding 5 mm in 24 hours was determined in 93% of piglets and in 48 hours in 59% of piglets. Common recall antigens were applied at the volume of 0.1 ml. Forty-eight hours after the application no palpable induration was determined: in 91% of piglets after the application of tuberculin (2 TU PPD in 0.1 ml); in 75% of piglets after toxoplasmin (according to PNY 30-33-74); in 98% of piglets after candidic antigen (100 PNU in 0.1 ml) and in 86% of piglets after tetanic antigen implantations (0.03 Lf in 0.1 ml). The epicutaneously applied sodium lauryl sulphate (at 2.5% and 5% concentrations) caused no inflammatory dermal reactions (erythema or induration) after 24 hours. In piglets it is best to apply phytohemagglutinin for evaluating cellular immunity, staphylococcus lysate for evaluating delayed hypersensitivity to staphylococci and histamine for obtaining the information on a disposition of piglets to allergic diseases.

[Monitoring chromosome mutations in large-scale breeding operations]. / Monitorování chromozomálních mutací ve velkochovech.

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations and exchanges of sister chromatids (SCEs) in peripheral lymphocytes was studied in 65 pigs from five large breeding herds. Four groups comprised fattened pigs and the fifth group consisted of sows from a large multiplier breeding herd. During the investigation, the dust from the sites was analyzed for the presence of zinc, lead, cadmium, mercury, aflatoxin B1, PCB, DDT, and lindane. The average frequency of aberrant cells (AB.B) in the pigs of group I was 3.85 +/- 1.60%, in group II 2.10 +/- 1.52%, in group III 5.01 +/- 2.1%, in group IV 3.50 +/- 1.58%, and in group V 6.20 +/- 3.21%. The cytogenetic finding corresponded to the differences in the amount of foreign substances found in the dust on the premises where the animals of all groups were kept. The average frequency of the SCEs was 7.00 +/- 1.10 (I), 6.51 +/- 0.89 (II), 6.92 +/- 0.72 (III), 7.10 +/- 0.85 (IV) and 7.06 +/- 1.47 (V) per one cell. Statistically significant differences in the numbers of AB.B. were recorded between groups II and I, II and IV, I and III, IV and V (p less than 0.05) and between groups II and III, II and V (p less than 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of SCEs. The determination of the frequency of chromosomal aberrations can be used for the hygienic control of the degree of exposure of pigs to mutagens.

[Etiology and pathogenesis of papular dermatitis in fattened pigs]. / Etiologie a patogeneze papulózní dermatitidy výkrmových prasat.

Judging from hitherto knowledge, papular dermatitis of fattened pigs is a polyfactorial disease of idiodisposition nature. It affects only a part of the population of fattened pigs (the so-called susceptible part of population), in the cases of increased contamination of the stable environment with contaminants. The susceptible part of the population includes predisposed individuals unable to cope with the complex contamination stress of large-scale premises for pig fattening. As the concentrations of contaminants in the stable microclimate decrease, papular dermatitis starts declining and the susceptible part of the population of fattened pigs remains latently (free of symptoms) hidden in the population. The main and primary cause of the papular dermatitis of fattened pigs is seen in the predisposed individuals' inability to eliminate quickly and effectively the contaminants (particularly zinc, lead, aflatoxin B1, mercury and cadmium) from their bodies. All the remaining changes, particularly the mutagenic and immunosuppressive effects as well as papular efflorescences on the skin, arise only as secondary phenomena. The papular efflorescences in fact revealed the less resistant and predisposed individuals in the given pig population. In our view there are three factors which play an important role in the resistance of the pigs: the performance of the detoxicating mechanisms, adequate function of the immunity system, and effectiveness of the reparation mechanisms of the genetic apparatus.

[Chemical study of body organs in papular dermatitis in fattened pigs]. / Chemické vysetrení telesných orgánu pri papulózní dermatitide výkrmových prasat.

In twenty fattened pigs with papular dermatitis (PD) and in seventeen pigs with no skin lesions (K),--the pigs had the live weight from 95 to 105 kg and came from a D. large fattening house situated in a region with extensive mining (lignite extraction)--we analyzed the skin, muscle, kidneys and liver for the contents of chemical elements (zinc, copper, manganese, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium) and aflatoxin B1. In pancreas we analyzed only the content of aflatoxin B1. In comparison with the K group, the pigs with PD had in the skin the higher contents of zinc (PD 15.7 +/- 7.1 mg per kg, K 10.1 +/- 1.3 mg per kg, P less than 0.05) and aflatoxin B1 (PD 3.18 +/- 1.53 micrograms per kg, K 1.56 +/- 0.49 microgram per kg, P less than 0.05); in the muscle the higher contents of zinc (PD 30.2 +/- 7.6 mg per kg, K 23.8 +/- 5.4 mg per kg, P less than 0.05), of lead (PD 0.48 +/- 0.31 mg per kg, K 0.25 +/- 0.28 mg per kg, P less than 0.05) and copper (PD 3.19 +/- 3.11 mg per kg, K 0.98 +/- 0.41 mg per kg, P less than 0.01); in the kidneys the higher contents of lead (PD 0.96 +/- 0.75 mg per kg, K 0.26 +/- 0.34 mg per kg, P less than 0.01), cadmium (PD 0.38 +/- 0.14 mg per kg, K 0.26 +/- 0.20 mg per kg, P less than 0.05), manganese (PD 1.14 +/- 0.04 mg per kg, K 0.94 +/- 0.42 mg per kg, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Trends in the quantity of foreign substances in feed mixtures and in pigsty dust at large pig farms]. / Trendy zmen obsahu cizorodých látek v krmných smesích a ve stájovém prachu ve velkochovech prasat.

In the period from January 1983 to December 1985 we examined thirty-five samples of commercial feed mixtures for pigs and thirty samples of pigsty dust deposition from large pig-houses in a region with extensive mining (lignite extraction) situated in the Hodonín district. In comparison with the contents of contaminants in the feed mixtures over the period from January 1983 (1/83) to June 1984 (6/84), the zinc and lindane concentrations increased to 213.3% (P less than 0.01) and 133.3%, respectively, from July 1984 (7/84) to December 1985 (12/85). The concentrations of copper, manganese, lead, cadmium, mercury (P less than 0.05), DDT (P less than 0.01) and aflatoxin B1 in the feed mixtures decreased. The highest permissible amount of contaminants in the feed mixtures was exceeded in the 1/83-6/84 period in cadmium (limit value 0.3 mg per kg) and mercury (limit value 0.1 mg per kg), in the 7/84-12/85 period only in zinc (limit value 250 mg per kg). In comparison with the values of contaminants in pigsty dust deposition recorded from January 1983 to June 1984, the lead concentration increased to 555.5% in the 7/84-12/85 period, lindane concentration rose to 569.0% (P less than 0.01), zinc concentration to 220.5% (P less than 0.01), the copper, manganese, cadmium, mercury concentrations (P less than 0.05) decreased, and the concentrations of DDT, aflatoxin B1 and polychlorinated biphenyls also dropped. It is desirable to evaluate in regular intervals the spectrum of contaminants both in feed mixtures and in pigsty dust deposition and to monitor other potential sources of contaminants in the pig-houses.

[Biochemical, hematologic, immunologic and cytogenetic study of papillary dermatitis in fattened pigs]. / Biochemické, hematologické, imunologické a cytogenetické výsetrení pri papulózní dermatitide vykrmových prasat.

Examinations were performed of 31 fattened pigs suffering from papular dermatitis (PD) and 33 fattened pigs without dermal changes (C) coming from the D. large pig-fattening farm and the production breeding herd of pigs. The weight of the pigs was from 95 to 105 kg. Both farms are sited in a mining area (intensive lignite extraction). The PD pigs, compared with the controls (C), had less total protein, cholesterol and calcium in their blood serum and increased concentrations of thyroxine (T4), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), vitamins A and E, inorganic phosphorus and potassium, and the higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. The PD pigs also had an increased leucocyte count in blood. In their peripheral lymphocytes the PD pigs had a significantly higher number of aberrant cells, 3.9 times higher number of chromosome breaks, slightly increased rate of sister chromatid exchanges, but half the number of chromosome exchanges of the C pigs. No differences between PD pigs and the controls were recorded in the response of the T-lymphocytes of peripheral blood to non-specific phytohaemagglutinin stimulation; neither were there any substantial differences in the concentration of serum immunoglobulins of the IgG, IgM and IgA classes. The PD and C pigs of both herds (the D. and M. farms) had low concentrations of all three serum immunoglobulins. The higher occurrence of PD in the D. herd, compared with the M. farm, is associated with a greater reduction of serum immunoglobulins (IgM by 38%, IgA by 25%, IgG by 15%).