Gastrin producing G-cells after chronic ethanol and low protein nutrition

Male Wistar rats, (2 months old), randomly divided according to the diet offered to four groups (C-control; A- alcoholized, PD-protein-deprived, A-PD- alcoholized protein-deprived). In group A and A-PD rats, the number of gastrin producing G-cells was significantly lower. The volume density of G-cells was significantly decreased in alcoholic rats. Fasting serum gastrin level (FSGL) significantly raised due to combined effect of alcohol consumption and protein malnutrition. In group A rats, the profile area of G-cells and their nuclei increased. In PD rats, the profile area of G cells also increased. There were no differences in nucleus/cell ratio due to alcohol ingestion alone, but it decreased significantly in PD and A-PD rats. Pale and lucent types of granules were predominantly seen in G-cells of animals of group A and A-PD. Mean diameter of granules increased in A, PD and A-PD rats. Other endocrine cells (ECL, D, EC) also decreased in number in A rats. Somatostatin producing D-cells decreased significantly in A-PD rats, both in fundic and pyloric mucosa.     

化湿液对湿阻证大鼠下丘脑AchE、NOS活性及NO含量的影响

目的研究化湿液对湿阻证模型大鼠下丘脑AchE、NOS活性及NO含量的影响。方法将50只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组及模型组 化湿液低、中、高剂量组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余4组用改进后的环境加疲劳法制造湿阻证模型,连续造模6d。造模成功后,正常组和模型组大鼠按2ml/100g的剂量灌胃给予生理盐水;化湿液低、中、高剂量组分别按含生药0.4g/100g、0.8g/100g、1.6g/100g的剂量灌胃给予化湿液。每天1次,连续8d。取大鼠下丘脑,检测下丘脑AchE、NOS活性及NO含量。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠下丘脑AchE活性明显升高,NOS活性及NO含量明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,化湿液可降低湿阻证模型大鼠下丘脑AchE的活性,提高下丘脑NOS活性及NO含量(P<0.05)。结论化湿液具有改善湿阻证大鼠下丘脑AchE、NOS活性及NO含量的作用,对研究化湿液治疗湿阻证的机制有一定价值。     

Prevention of renal injury after induction of ozone tolerance in rats submitted to warm ischaemia

On the basis that ozone (O3) can upregulate cellular antioxidant enzymes, a morphological, biochemical and functional renal study was performed in rats undergoing a prolonged treatment with O3 before renal ischaemia. Rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, a medial abdominal incision was performed to expose the kidneys; (2) ischaemia, in animals undergoing a bilateral renal ischaemia (30 min), with subsequent reperfusion (3 h); (3) O3 + ischaemia, as group 2, but with previous treatment with O3 (0.5 mg/kg per day given in 2.5 ml O2) via rectal administration for 15 treatments; (4) O2 + ischaemia, as group 3, but using oxygen (O2) alone. Biochemical parameters as fructosamine level, phospholipase A, and superoxide dismutases (SOD) activities, as well as renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), were measured by means of plasma clearance of p-amino-hippurate and inulin, respectively. In comparison with groups 1 and 3, the RPF and GFR were significantly decreased in groups 2 and 4. Interestingly, renal homogenates of the latter groups yielded significantly higher values of phospholipase A activity and fructosamine level in comparison with either the control (1) and the O3 (3) treated groups. Moreover renal SOD activity showed a significant increase in group 3 without significant differences among groups 1, 2 and 4. Morphological alterations of the kidney were present in 100%, 88% and 30% of the animals in groups 2, 4 and 3, respectively. It is proposed that the O3 protective effect can be ascribed to the substantial possibility of upregulating the antioxidant defence system capable of counteracting the damaging effect of ischaemia. These findings suggest that, whenever possible, ozone preconditioning may represent a prophylactic approach for minimizing renal damage before transplantation.     

Hormonal and vascular fluid responses to maximal exercise in trained and untrained males

The trained condition is associated with alterations in fluid regulation. In attempt to elucidate mechanisms responsible for these differences, resting, postexercise (maximal treadmill exercise of 8-13 min duration), and recovery measurements were made in seven trained (mean peak O2 consumption was 60.5 +/- 1.6 ml.kg-1.min-1) and seven untrained (mean peak O2 consumption was 40.7 +/- 1.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) male subjects. Samples were obtained by venipuncture with subjects seated. No significant differences in resting plasma osmolality (Osm), sodium, potassium, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone, renin activity, or atrial natriuretic factor were found between groups. Maximal exercise produced significant increases in all of the above variables. Values immediately postexercise were similar between groups except for plasma Osm and sodium, which were significantly higher in the untrained group. Despite a reduction in plasma volume of equal magnitude in both groups, trained subjects demonstrated an increase in vascular proteins and mean corpuscular volume during exercise. This increase in plasma protein may be an important initiating factor responsible for the elevated plasma volume after 1-h recovery from exercise in the trained group. Lastly, similar ADH responses despite lower Osm in trained subjects may indicate that training increases the sensitivity of ADH to osmotic stimulation.     

半夏总生物碱对帕金森病大鼠的学习记忆及氧化应激反应的影响

目的 探讨半夏总生物碱(total alkaloids from Pinellia Ternate,TAPT)对帕金森病模型大鼠的防治作用及其抗氧化机制.方法 采用脑内定位注射6-羟基多巴胺(6-OHDA)建立帕金森病大鼠模型,在模型建立成功的同时给予半夏总生物碱预防性治疗.采用Morris水迷宫进行帕金森病大鼠的行为学检测,用化学比色法检测大脑皮质及血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力、丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化氢(H2O2)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)的含量.结果 与正常组比较,帕金森病模型组大鼠的逃避潜伏期明显延长(P＜0.01),跨越平台次数明显减少(P＜0.01);经半夏总生物碱治疗组,大鼠逃避潜伏期明显缩短(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),跨越平台次数明显增加(P＜0.01).帕金森病模型组大鼠脑皮质及血清中MDA、H2O2的含量增加,SOD活性及GSH的含量降低(P＜0.01);经半夏总生物碱治疗组,脑皮质MDA、H2O2的含量显著减少(P＜0.01),皮质GSH、SOD含量显著增加(P＜0.01);半夏总生物碱给药组中低浓度组、中浓度组血清MDA的含量无统计学意义(P＞0.05),高浓度组血清MDA含量下降(P＜0.01),各治疗组中血清H2O2含量明显下降(P＜0.01),血清GSH含量显著增加(P＜0.01).结论 半夏总生物碱具有改善学习记忆能力,对抗大鼠神经系统的退行性变有一定的作用,可能通过改变帕金森病模型大鼠皮质部分及血清SOD、GSH的含量,而抑制了MDA和H2O2的产生.     

周期性饥饿再投喂对长蛸存活、生长以及肌肉脂肪酸和氨基酸的影响

在19.8—22.2℃条件下, 采用周期性饥饿再投喂的方法, 研究不同投喂模式对长蛸[Octopus minor, 初始体重(94.29±9.35) g, 初始胴背长(53.25±5.25) mm]的存活、生长以及脂肪酸和氨基酸的影响。实验分为4个组包括对照组(持续投喂)、S₁F₅组(周期性饥饿1d再投喂5d)、S₂F₄组(周期性饥饿2d再投喂4d)和S₃F₃组(周期性饥饿3d再投喂3d), 持续24d。实验结果如下: 随饥饿时间的延长, 增重率、肝体比、体重变化量以及终末体重四个指标均呈现出先上升后下降的趋势, 其中S₁F₅组的值均显著高于对照组, 而S₃F₃组的值除肝体比外均显著低于对照组。长蛸的成活率随饥饿时间的增长呈现出下降趋势, 但各实验组均与对照组差异不显著; 摄食量随饥饿时间的延长, 表现出上升趋势, 且三个实验组的值均显著高于对照组。在长蛸肌肉脂肪酸中, 饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、不饱和脂肪酸(UFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)以及多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)的含量均与对照组差异不显著, 但S₁F₅组的值与对照组相比出现了一定程度的升高; 在氨基酸含量上, 各实验组的必需氨基酸总量(TEAA)、氨基酸总量(TAA)以及必需氨基酸总量/氨基酸总量(TEAA/TAA)的值均与对照组差异不显著。综上所述, S₁F₅组和S₂F₄组长蛸出现了补偿生长现象, 且S₁F₅组长蛸具备超补偿生长能力。因此, 在长蛸的人工养殖过程中, 为保证其养殖效果, 建议采用周期性饥饿1d再投喂5d的投喂模式。     

Effects of chronic variate stress on feeding behavior and on monoamine levels in different rat brain structures

Chronic variate stress was seen to decrease the ingestion of sweet food when compared to control rats. Brain monoamines are known to be involved in the control of food intake, serotonin appears to be involved in the mechanisms of satiety, and dopamine in mediating appetite or approach behaviors triggered by incentive stimuli associated with rewards. The effect of chronic variate stress on cerebral levels of monoamines was also studied in rats. Increased levels of DOPAC were observed in the frontal cortex and in the hippocampus and an increased 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was also observed in this latter structure. In the hypothalamus, levels of HVA and DOPAC were decreased, as well as the DOPAC/DA ratio, while no difference was found in amygdala. During the treatment, there were no differences in the consumption of water and regular food between stressed and control animals. An increase in the adrenal weight was observed at the end of the treatment. The results suggest that emotional changes, such as exposure to stress situations can influence feeding behavior, chronic variate stress causes decreased ingestion of sweet food and decreased dopaminergic neurotransmission in hypothalamus. Increased dopamine metabolite levels in the cortex and hippocampus were also observed and some of these modifications may be related to alterations in feeding behavior.     

The effect of moderate alcohol consumption on fat distribution and adipocytokines

Objective: To investigate the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on fat distribution, adipose tissue secreted proteins (adiponectin and resistin), and insulin sensitivity in healthy middle‐aged men with abdominal obesity. Research Methods and Procedures: Thirty‐four healthy men between 35 and 70 years old, with increased waist circumference (≥94 cm), participated in a randomized, controlled cross‐over design trial. They drank 450 mL of red wine (40 grams of alcohol) or 450 mL of de‐alcoholized red wine daily during 4 weeks. At the end of each treatment period, fat distribution, adipose tissue proteins, and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were measured. Results: Subcutaneous and abdominal fat contents and body weight did not change after 4 weeks of moderate alcohol consumption. Liver fat (quip index) was slightly higher after consumption of red wine (6.8 ± 0.1) as compared with de‐alcoholized red wine (6.5 ± 0.1) but not significantly different (p = 0.09). Plasma adiponectin concentration increased (p < 0.01) to 6.0 ± 0.1 μg/mL after 28 days of moderate alcohol consumption compared with de‐alcoholized red wine (5.5 ± 0.1 μg/mL). Serum resistin concentrations and ISI were not affected by alcohol consumption. Percentage changes in serum resistin correlated significantly with changes in ISI (r = ?0.69, p < 0.01), whereas this correlation was not present between changes in plasma adiponectin and ISI (r = 0.31, p = 0.22). Discussion: Moderate alcohol consumption for 4 weeks is not associated with differences in subcutaneous and abdominal fat contents or body weight. Thus, the 10% increase in adiponectin was not associated with a change in fat distribution or body weight change.     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯对鲤非特异性免疫的影响及遗传毒性

以水和吐温-80为对照,用5、20、80、160 mg/L的邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯（DEHP）对鲤染毒20d,研究了DEHP对鲤非特异性免疫功能的影响及遗传毒性。结果表明: 吐温-80组与水对照组相比除红细胞总核异常率显著升高外,所测定的各项指标差异均不显著。80、160 mg/L组白细胞吞噬活力、吞噬指数,血清抗菌活力,溶菌酶活性均显著低于水对照组和吐温-80组（P0.05或P0.01）,且20 mg/L组白细胞吞噬活力、吞噬指数显著低于水对照组。与吐温-80组相比,160 mg/L组血清C3含量显著降低,5、20、80 mg/L组C3含量,5、20、80、160 mg/L组C4含量则无显著性差异。20、80、160 mg/L组C3含量,160 mg/L组C4含量显著低于水对照组（P0.05或P0.01）。160 mg/L组红细胞微核率显著高于吐温-80组,80、160 mg/L组红细胞微核率显著高于水对照组。在DEHP实验浓度范围内,红细胞核异常率、总核异常率,肝细胞DPC系数均显著高于水对照组和吐温-80组。一定浓度的DEHP对鲤具有免疫毒性和遗传毒性。       

枸橼酸坦度螺酮胶囊治疗神经性头痛50例疗效观察

目的:观察枸橼酸坦度螺酮胶囊治疗神经性头痛的临床效果。方法:将100例神经性头痛患者随机分为治疗组和对照组各50例。对照组给予氨酚羟考酮片、甲钴胺片治疗,治疗组在对照组的基础上加用枸橼酸坦度螺酮胶囊,对比两组临床疗效及视觉模拟评分(VAS评分)。结果:治疗后两组患者VAS评分均显著减小,其中治疗组相比对照组降低更明显,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);治疗组患者总有效率为88.0%(44/50)显著高于对照的68.0%(34/50),差异具有统计学差异(P0.05);两组患者均无明显不良反应。结论:枸橼酸坦度螺酮胶囊联合氨酚羟考酮片、甲钴胺片治疗神经性头痛疗效优良,能有效缓解痛疼程度,副作用小。     

Alpha-lipoic acid affects the oxidative stress in various brain structures in mice with methionine and choline deficiency

Deficiency in methionine or choline can induce oxidative stress in various organs such as liver, kidney, heart, and brain. This study was to examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on oxidative stress induced by methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) in several brain structures. Male mice C57BL/6 (n = 28) were divided into four groups: (1) control – continuously fed with standard chow; (2) LA – fed with standard chow and receiving LA; (3) MCD2 – fed with MCD diet for two weeks, and (4) MCD2+LA – fed with MCD diet for two weeks and receiving LA (100 mg/kg/day intraperitonealy [i.p.]). Brain tissue (cortex, hypothalamus, striatum and hippocampus) was taken for determination of oxidative stress parameters. MCD diet induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde and NOx concentration in all brain regions, while LA restored their content to normal values. Similar to this, in MCD2 group, activity of total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD was reduced by MCD diet, while LA treatment improved their activities in all brain structures. Besides, in MCD2 group a decrease in catalase activity in cortex and GSH content in hypothalamus was evident, while LA treatment induced an increase in catalase activity in cortex and striatum and GSH content in hypothalamus. LA treatment can significantly reduce lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, caused by MCD diet, in all brain regions by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities, predominantly total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD, and to a lesser extent by modulating catalase activity and GSH content. LA supplementation may be used in order to prevent brain oxidative injury induced by methionine and choline deficiency.     

Different ventilation strategies alter surfactant responses in preterm rabbits.

The effect of ventilation strategy on in vivo function of different surfactants was evaluated in preterm rabbits delivered at 27 days gestational age and ventilated with either 0 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) at tidal volumes of 10-11 ml/kg or 3 cmH2O PEEP at tidal volumes of 7-8 ml/kg after treatment with one of four different surfactants: sheep surfactant, the lipids of sheep surfactant stripped of protein (LH-20 lipid), Exosurf, and Survanta. The use of 3 cmH2O PEEP decreased pneumothoraces in all groups except for the sheep surfactant group where pneumothoraces increased (P < 0.01). Ventilatory pressures (peak pressures - PEEP) decreased more with the 3 cmH2O PEEP, low-tidal-volume ventilation strategy for Exosurf-, Survanta-, and sheep surfactant-treated rabbits (P < 0.05), whereas ventilation efficiency indexes (VEI) improved only for Survanta- and sheep surfactant-treated rabbits with 3 cmH2O PEEP (P < 0.01). Pressure-volume curves for sheep surfactant-treated rabbits were better than for all other treated groups (P < 0.01), although Exosurf and Survanta increased lung volumes above those in control rabbits (P < 0.05). The recovery of intravascular radiolabeled albumin in the lungs and alveolar washes was used as an indicator of pulmonary edema. Only Survanta and sheep surfactant decreased protein leaks in the absence of PEEP, whereas all treatments decreased labeled albumin recoveries when 3 cmH2O PEEP was used (P < 0.05). These experiments demonstrate that ventilation style will alter a number of measurements of surfactant function, and the effects differ for different surfactants.     

富硒猴头菇对小鼠肠道菌群的调节作用

目的以昆明小鼠为实验对象,观察富硒猴头菇对小鼠肠道菌群的影响。方法设高、中和低3个剂量组和1个普通猴头菇对照组,1个蒸馏水对照组,搜集粪便,用细菌16S rDNA荧光定量PCR法测定3大类肠道菌的数量。结果富硒猴头菇冻干粉灌胃后,中剂量组和高剂量组小鼠肠道中大肠埃希菌明显减少,低、中剂量组双歧杆菌增多,高剂量组乳酸菌增多,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。且断药3 d后,中剂量组的大肠埃希菌、双歧杆菌数量,高剂量组的大肠埃希菌、乳酸菌数量与正常对照组相比差异仍有统计学意义。结论富硒猴头菇对小鼠肠道菌群有明显调节作用。     

Involvement of Serotonin in the Pathogenesis of Alcohol Addiction

We studied the contents of serotonin (5-HT) in a few brain structures (hypothalamus, midbrain, and neocortex) and in blood of rats with genetically determined preference of either ethanol solution or water as a liquid for drinking (groups preferring ethanol, PE, or preferring water, PW, respectively). Rats of the PE group differed from PW animals by significantly higher levels of 5-HT in the hypothalamus and blood. Peroral introduction of 4 g/kg ethanol into PE rats resulted in rapid (in not more than 15 min) sharp increases in the 5-HT content in the hypothalamus, neocortex, and blood, but 45 min after ethanol introduction the 5-HT contents in the hypothalamus, midbrain, neocortex, and blood noticeably dropped. It is suggested that within this time interval condensation of 5-HT with acetaldehyde (AcAdh, the first metabolite of ethanol oxidation) is intensified. This results in the production of -carbolines, analogs of morphine-like alkaloids, which are ligands of the opioid receptors. Under conditions of the development of alcohol addiction (free access of PE animals to the ethanol solution and water for several months), the content of 5-HT in the brain structures and blood increased in a parallel manner with an increase in the daily consumption of alcohol. Our findings are proof of the significant involvement of the serotoninergic system in the development of the euphoria state after single alcohol consumption and motivation for its consumption in the course of formation of alcohol addiction.     

Glutathione-deficient state of nervous tissues in starved animals intensifies lipid peroxidation and oxidation of protein SH-groups

The levels of the lipid peroxidation products (LPO), different forms of protein SH-groups and their oxidation rate in the homogenates of the mesencephalon, hypothalamus and sensorymotor cortex of normal and GSH-deficient rats under 3-day food starvation were studied. It was shown, that the basic level of LPO products--lipid hydroperoxides and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) in hypothalamus and sensorymotor cortex of normal animals are by 20-30% (p < 0.05) higher and reduced glutathione (GSH) content is 2 times higher, than these values in mesencephalon. Under 3 day starvation of normal animals activation of the LPO observed only in the hypothalamus and sensorymotor cortex, whereas under 3 day starvation of the GSH-deficient rats formed by the intraparenteraly injection of diethylmaleate in a dose of 2.5 mmol/kg of body weight in all investigated structures the lipid hydroperoxides and MDA increased many times (2-3 times), the content of the surface and masked protein SH-groups decreased and essentially increased the oxidation rate of these functional groups. It was proposed that GSH and its enzymes participate in the LPO regulation and protection of protein SH-groups from oxidative damage at this event the intensity of this prosesse depends on structural and functional organization of nervous tissues.     

亚低温治疗对重型颅脑损伤患者颅内压、脑血流及氧代谢的影响

目的:探讨亚低温治疗对重症颅脑损伤(sTBI)患者颅内压(ICP)、脑血流及氧代谢的影响。方法:收集50例sTBI患者随机分为实验组和对照组,每组25例,均给予常规治疗,观察组在常规治疗基础上给予亚低温辅助治疗,检测患者治疗前、治疗第3、5、7天ICP动态变化以及治疗前和治疗7天后脑血流和氧代谢等指标变化。结果:治疗第3、5、7天ICP组间差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05),随着治疗时间增加两组ICP均逐渐降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗前Qmean、Vmean、Wv、DR等组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),治疗7天后Qmean、Vmean均升高,Wv、DR均降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗前SjvO_2、CjvO_2、CaO_2、CERO_2组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),治疗7天后SjvO_2、CjvO_2、CERO_2均升高,CaO_2降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:亚低温治疗可以显著降低患者颅内压,改善脑血流和氧代谢水平。     

垂体后叶素及缩宫素止血在腹腔镜肌壁间子宫肌瘤剔除术中应用的比较观察

目的:对比分析采用垂体后叶素及缩宫素止血在腹腔镜子宫肌瘤剔除术中临床疗效。方法:将我院接受治疗的76例患者按照手术止血方法,分为垂体后叶素止血组(A组)与缩宫素止血组(B组),观察两组患者各自手术治疗后的时间、术中出血量、术后血红蛋白水平的变化以及治疗前后血压的变化情况。结果:两组患者手术治疗均成功完成,A组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、术后血红蛋白下降差值等方面,均显著优于B组患者(P0.05);A组患者用药15 min后收缩压水平与B组差异显著(P0.05),而30min与45 min后,二者差异不显著(P0.05)。两组患者用药前,HR和SPO2水平对比差异不显著(P0.05)。两组患者用药后HR与用药前对比,差异均显著(均P0.05)。而SPO2在两组内以及两组间对比,差异均不显著(P0.05)。A组患者用药5 min和10 min、30 min后HR分别与B组对比,差异均具有显著性(均P0.05)。结论:临床上进行腹腔镜手术治疗子宫肌瘤疾病过程中,采用垂体后叶素对患者进行止血,能有效减少手术治疗时间、降低手术出血量水平,手术止血效果整体优于缩宫素止血,产生的临床效果显著,值得临床上进一步推广应用。     

肌肉肌醇对HepG2 胰岛素抵抗模型葡萄糖消耗量影响的细胞实验研究

目的:研究肌肉肌醇(myo-inositol,MI)对胰岛素抵抗细胞(IR-HepG2)细胞外葡萄糖消耗量的影响。方法:采用CCK-8法观察MI、高糖对HepG2细胞活力的影响,通过高糖持续作用,胰岛素刺激诱导HepG2细胞建立胰岛素抵抗细胞模型,葡萄糖氧化酶法(GOD-POD法)鉴定模型是否成立,并用GOD-POD法检测正常HepG2细胞和MI对HepG2胰岛素抵抗细胞葡萄糖消耗量的变化。结果:在对HepG2细胞活性没有影响的情况下,MI增加了胰岛素抵抗模型的葡萄糖消耗量。与模型对照组相比,葡萄糖氧化酶法结果显示,MI可显著增加胰岛素抵抗模型葡糖糖的消耗量(P0.01)。结论:MI可明显增加IR-HepG2细胞模型葡萄糖的消耗量,对IR-HepG2细胞模型胰岛素抵抗有显著的改善作用。     

Immunomodulatory Effects of Oat β-Glucan Administered Intragastrically or Parenterally on Mice Infected with Eimeria vermiformis

The immunostimulatory effect of intragastrically or parenterally administered β-(1→3; 1→4) glucan, extracted from oats (OβG), on disease resistance to Eimeria vermiformis was studied in C57BL/6 mice. Multiple administrations of OβG by intragastric or subcutaneous routes reduced fecal oocyst shedding compared to the non-treated control group. The administration of OβG by subcutaneous route resulted in higher levels of total serum immunoglobulins and antigen (sporozoite and merozoite)-specific immunoglobulins as compared with the non-treated group. To evaluate the effect of a single subcutaneous dose, groups of mice were treated with OβG 2 days before E. vermiformis infection, at the time of infection and at 2 or 6 days after infection. From day 11 post-infection the oocyst discharge was significantly diminished (P< 0.05-0.01) in the OβG-treated groups, except in those treated 6 days after infection, as compared to the non-treated control group. The proliferative responses to E. vermiformis sporozoite antigen of lymphocytes isolated from the spleen were significantly increased (P < 0.05) when OβG was administered 2 days before or at the time of E. vermiformis infection. Lymphocyte proliferative responses to merozoite antigen were not influenced by treatment. In conclusion, OβG appeared to up-regulate immune mechanisms and provide enhanced resistance against eimerian coccidiosis in mice.