Changes of gas exchange parameters and of functional-biochemical properties of erythrocytes in dynamics of experimental anemia in rats

In experiments on male Wistar rats, in a specially constructed computerized installation, O₂ consumption by the animals in comparison with changes of hematological, biochemical, and rheological blood properties is studied after anemization—acute blood loss (12–15% of the total blood mass). An increase of the O₂ consumption by the organism and tissues by 18–28% has been revealed for the first 7 days after the blood loss, in spite of a pronounced decrease of hematocrit and of the amount of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in peripheral blood by 20–25% of the initial level. There was a 5–10-fold increase of the content of immature erythrocyte forms—reticulocytes and a progressive rise of cell acidic resistance, which is characteristic of young erythrocyte forms. An increase of O₂ consumption at a decrease of the blood oxygen capacity (a low hemoglobin level) seems to be due to the more efficient transport and yield of O₂ to tissues. At the 3rd and 7th day after the blood loss, activity of Na,K-ATPase has been found to increase by 60% and 20%, respectively. Analysis of the erythrocyte rheological properties has shown that the maximal firmness of aggregates (U_q) and the aggregation rate (1/T) decrease progressively beginning from 3 days after the blood loss; index of deformability (I_max) turned out to be elevated by 7–11%, probably due to an increase of the cell membrane elasticity. The conclusion is made that changes of erythrocyte rheological properties are interconnected with changes of the Na,K-ATPase activity and are directed at optimization of blood circulation in large vessels and the capillary network.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal phylogeny-related interactions with a non-host

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with most vascular plants including some gymnosperm species. Although species in the gymnosperm family Pinaceae normally develop ectomycorrhizal associations, AMF hyphae and vesicles, typical of members of the Suborder Glomineae, have been reported in the roots of some Pinaceae species. However, it is not known whether AMF belonging to various species and suborders are able to colonize roots of Pinaceae species and to what extent this influences the performance of Pinaceae seedlings. We tested in each of the Glomaceae, Acaulosporaceae and Gigasporineae AMF families two species for their ability to colonize and affect the growth of Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) in the presence or absence of an AMF host plant (Trifolium pretense—red clover). Glomus intraradices was the only AMF that colonized pine roots, predominantly in the presence of clover, forming intracellular hyphae and vesicles but not arbuscules. Colonization, however, did not relate to increased pine biomass and the overall presence of AMF, regardless of colonization abilities, resulted in a biomass reduction. This effect on pine seedling biomass was explained by the AMF family to which the AMF belonged, indicating that the effects of AMF on the non-host pine may be related to phylogeny. Acaulosporaceae species reduced pine biomass the most whereas, Gigasporineae species had the smallest effect on biomass. These preliminary results suggest that AMF may affect the soil microflora differently among AMF families in previously unsuspected ways with potential consequences for non-AMF host growth.     

Differential responses of Nostoc sphaeroides and Arthrospira platensis to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure

During October to December 2003 we carried out experiments to assess the impact of high solar radiation levels (as normally occurring in a tropical region of Southern China) on the cyanobacteria Nostoc sphaeroides and Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis. Two types of experiments were done: a) Short-term (i.e., 20 min) oxygen production of samples exposed to two radiation treatments (i.e., PAR+UVR—280–700 nm, and PAR only—400–700 nm, PAB and P treatments, respectively), and b) Long-term (i.e., 12 days) evaluation of photosynthetic quantum yield (Y) of samples exposed to three radiation treatments (i.e., PAB; PA (PAR+UV-A, 320–700 nm) and P treatments, respectively). N. sphaeroides was resistant to UVR, with no significant differences (P>0.05) in oxygen production within 20 min of exposure, but with a slight inhibition of Y within hours. A fast recovery of Y was observed after one day even in samples exposed to full solar radiation. A. platensis, on the other hand, was very sensitive to solar radiation (mainly to UV-B), as determined by oxygen production and Y measurements. A. platensis had a circadian rhythm of photosynthetic inhibition, and during the first six days of exposure to solar radiation, it varied between 80 and 100% at local noon, but cells recovered significantly during afternoon hours. There was a significant decrease in photosynthetic inhibition after the first week of exposure with values less than 50% at local noon in samples receiving full solar radiation. Samples exposed to PA and P treatments recovered much faster (within 2–3 days), and there were no significant differences in Y between the three radiation treatments when irradiance was low (late afternoon to early morning). Long-term acclimation seems to be important in A. platensis to cope with high UVR levels however, it is not attained through the synthesis of UV-absorbing compounds but it seems to be mostly related to adaptive morphological changes.     

The modifying effect of beta-carotene on gamma radiation-induced elevation of oxidative reactions and genotoxicity in male rats

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the modulatory role of beta-carotene on the radiation-induced changes in certain biochemical and cytogenetic parameters. beta-Carotene was given by gavage at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days before whole body gamma irradiation with 7 Gy (single dose). The levels of beta-carotene in plasma, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma and liver, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in blood and liver were the selected parameters. Furthermore, the frequency of micronuclei (MN) of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs), the ratio of PCEs/NCEs and the mitotic index (MI) of bone marrow cells were also evaluated. The biochemical and cytogenetic determinations were carried out 1, 24, and 72 h after radiation exposure.The results obtained revealed that administration of beta-carotene pre-irradiation significantly inhibited the decrease in plasma beta-carotene, significantly reduced the levels of TBARS in plasma and liver. Significant protection of the radiation-induced changes in the activities of SOD and catalase was also recorded in the blood and liver of beta-carotene-treated and -irradiated rats. beta-Carotene resulted in significant inhibition in the frequency of radiation-induced MN, as well as in the ratio of PCEs/NCEs and the MI of bone marrow cells. These results suggest that beta-carotene as a natural product with its antioxidant capacity and capability of quenching singlet oxygen, could play a modulatory role against the cellular damage affected by free radicals induced by whole body irradiation.     

Biosynthesis of superoxide dismutase and catalase in chemostat culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary The effects of oxygen (100%), paraquat (0.5 mM), and copper (0.1 mM) on the growth and the biosynthesis of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, were studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in glucose-limited chemostat cultures. The effect of dilution rates (D, h⁻¹) on cell mass, glucose consumption, ethanol production, oxygen uptake, and specific activities of SOD and catalase were also investigated at each steady state. SOD was optimally produced at D-values between 0.22 and 0.26 h⁻¹ in the presence of oxygen or paraquat, and at D-values greater than 0.17 h⁻¹ when copper was used. On the other hand, catalase activity decreased with increasing D-values. However, the presence of copper or 100% oxygen repressed catalase activity at low D-values (D<0.1 h⁻¹), and decreased the rate of oxygen uptake at all D-values tested. The presence of paraquat affected the rate of oxygen uptake only at high D-values (D>0.22 h⁻¹). We also studied the effect of oxygen concentration on the biosynthesis of SOD and catalase at D=0.1 h⁻¹. The data clearly show that synthesis of SOD and catalase, though correlated with changes in oxygen tension, are independent of one another. Paper Number 10871 of the Journal Series of North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC 27 695. The use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service of the products named, nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned     

The Role of the Antioxidant Enzymes in Erythrocytes in the Development of Arterial Hypertension among Humans Exposed to Lead

The study population included employees of metal works, with significant exposure to lead (Pb) for about 20 years (mean blood lead level PbB = 43 μg/dl), divided into four groups: normotensive (Pb-normotensive), high-normotensive, first (HT-1), and second degree (HT-2) of hypertension. The control group comprised of 30 office workers with normal blood pressure and no history of occupational exposure to lead. In erythrocytes, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation (measured as concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA)) was estimated. MDA concentration, glutathione peroxide (GPx), and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activities were significantly higher in Pb-normotensive group when compared to the normotensive control. Body mass index, age, duration of exposure to lead, and PbB were higher in both hypertensive groups than in Pb-normotensive or high-normotensive groups. MDA increased in HT-1 group by 48% and in HT-2 by 72%, and the activity of GPx decreased significantly in HT-1 group, by 30% and in HT-2 by 43%. No significant differences were observed in their activity of SOD, catalase, and glutathione reductase in erythrocytes. Arterial blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), age, lead exposure duration, PbB, MDA, and negatively correlated with GPx. There was no significant correlation between BMI and MDA, BMI and GPx, age and MDA, AND age and GPx. In conclusion: (1) lead increases erythrocyte MDA concentration and the activity of GPx as well as SOD in normotensive subjects. (2) Among individuals exposed to lead, with arterial hypertension diagnosed, higher body mass index, age, values of blood lead level, and prolonged exposure to lead have been noticed, accompanied by intensified oxidative stress and the decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. The reasons for increase of blood pressure in lead exposure remain unrecognized.     

Plant transpiration and net entropy exchange on the Earth’s surface in a Czech watershed

The influence of plant transpiration on the entropy exchange was quantified as associated with the degradation of solar energy on the Earth’s surface covered by plants. Two surfaces were studied: (1) productive surface — plant transpiration taken as equal to the potential one, (2) non-productive surface — plant transpiration taken as equal to zero. The entropy exchanges associated with the absorption of solar radiation and with the conversion of absorbed solar radiation into the sensible heat and latent heat were taken into account. These processes were examined in the experimental watershed Liz (828–1074 m a.s.l.) located in the Bohemian Forest (Czech Republic). We found that in the growing season 1992 the net entropy exchange in humid hydrologic period (the Earth’s surface is productive) was considerably higher than in the arid one (the Earth’s surface was productive in 39% of days, and non-productive in 61% of days). Considering that the biotic effect on the Earth’s functioning can be measured with the help of the net entropy exchange, we can assume that the theory that biotic activities — represented by plant transpiration here — are the cause of the self-organizing processes in Earth’s environment is proved in the watershed scale. Presented at the International Conference on Bioclimatology and Natural Hazards, Poľana nad Detvou, Slovakia, 17–20 September 2007.     

Leukocytic Indices and Micronucleus in Erythrocytes as Population Markers of the Immune Status of Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) (Amphibia: Ranidae) Living in Various Biotopic Conditions

Biology Bulletin - Abstract—A differentiated assessment of blood cells and types of micronuclei in the erythrocytes of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) living in reservoirs of the Nizhny...     

Divalent-metal-dependent nucleolytic activity of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase

The known action of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (holo SOD) that converts O₂ ⁻ to O₂ and H₂O₂ plays a crucial role in protecting cells from toxicity of oxidative stress. However, the overproduction of holo SOD does not result in increased protection but rather creates a variety of unfavorable effects, suggesting that too much holo SOD may be injurious to the cells. In the in vitro study, we report a finding that the holo SOD from bovine erythrocytes and its apo form possess a divalent-metal-dependent nucleolytic activity, which was confirmed by UV–vis absorption titration of calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) with the holo SOD, quenching of holo SOD intrinsic fluorescence by ctDNA, and by gel electrophoresis monitoring conversion of DNA from the supercoiled DNA to nicked and linear forms, and fragmentation of a linear λDNA. Moreover, the DNA cleavage activity was examined in detail under certain reaction conditions. The steady-state study indicates that DNA cleavage supported by both forms of SOD obeys Michaelis–Menten kinetics. On the other hand, the assays with some other proteins indicate that this new function is specific to some proteins including the holo SOD. Therefore, this study reveals that the divalent-metal-dependent DNA cleavage activity is an intrinsic property of the holo SOD, which is independent of its natural metal (copper and zinc) sites, and may provide an alternative insight into the link between SOD enzymes and neurodegenerative disorders.     

Thyroid hormone-induced haemoglobin changes and antioxidant enzymes response in erythrocytes

Thyroid hormones modulate haemoglobin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to antioxidant changes. This study evaluated the antioxidant response to ROS in erythrocytes in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control; hyperthyroid (T4-12 mg 1(-1) in drinking water); sham operated (simulation of thyroidectomy); and hypothyroid (thyroidectomized). Four weeks after, blood was collected and haemoglobin and T(4) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) , glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total radical antioxidant potential (TRAP) were measured. SOD, CAT and GST immunocontent was evaluated. Haemoglobin levels were increased in hyperthyroid erythrocytes. LPO and carbonyls were augmented (65% and 55%, respectively) in hyperthyroid and reduced (31% and 56%, respectively) in hypothyroid group. SOD and CAT activities have not changed, as well as CAT immunocontent. TRAP was diminished in both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups (36% and 37%, respectively). GST activity and immunocontent, as well as GPx activity, were increased in hyper and hypothyroid rats. The data suggest that thyroid hormone changes determine ROS concentration changes and decrease of some antioxidant defences that would lead to a compensatory answer of the GST and GPx enzymes, which could be consider as credible biomarkers.     

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in hypertensive patients receiving lisinopril monotherapy or combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy

Statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have beneficial impact on the serum cholesterol and blood pressure. It is supposed that statins and ACE inhibitors may modify the antioxidative status in erythrocytes. The study objective was to compare the effects of two treatments, lisinopril alone versus lisinopril plus simvastatin, on erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The study involved 32 patients with arterial hypertension, their initial serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were within the normal range. Patients of two groups, each of 16 subjects, were treated with lisinopril (10 mg/day) or with lisinopril (10 mg/day) plus simvastatin (20 mg/day). Before and after the ambulatory therapy for 3 and 6 months, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) were determined in purified erythrocytes. All treated patients had significantly higher catalase activity (by 79.3–106.5%, p < 0.0001) and significantly lower GPx activity (by 20.7–30.6%, p < 0.001) as compared to the baselines. The same results were obtained in both groups (lisinopril and lisinopril + simvastatin), after both periods (3 and 6 month) of treatments. SOD activity increased only in the lisinopril group and only after 6 months (p = 0.0345). No changes of GR activity were observed under all conditions studied. Thus, the lisinopril monotherapy and combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy exhibit specific, pronounced and equipotent effects on antioxidant enzymes in human erythrocytes. Peroral administration of lisinopril or lisinopril plus simvastatin may protect erythrocytes and other tissues against oxidative damage.     

Status of hemapoiesis in residents of the Techa riverside villages in the period of maximum radiation exposure. Report 1. Evaluation of the cellular composition of peripheral blood and the role of comorbidities in the oppression of hemapoiesis

Residents of the Techa riverside villages chronically exposed to ionizing radiation (the average dose rate in 1951-1956 was 0.047 Gy/year, the maximum reached 2.44 Gy/year) developed marked changes in the cellular composition of peripheral blood. The maximum reduction of peripheral blood counts occurred in the years 1951-1953, after which the beginning of the restoration of cellularity to the control level was observed. The dose rate at this point (1956) was about 0.02 Gy/year. The factors of radiation and non-radiation nature (gender, the age at the onset of exposure, health related disorders) in different combinations affect the number of peripheral blood cells. The influence of dose rate of a chronic radiation exposure on a platelet count takes precedence over other factors. The factors of gender and dose rate determine the number of erythrocytes in exposed persons. The changes accompanying the health status and dose rate significantly affect the number of neutrophils. The influence of comorbidity, age and dose rate on the number of monocytes was noted. A lymphocyte count was mainly determined by the age at the onset of exposure and concomitant diseases. A joint influence of chronic radiation exposure and concomitant diseases increases a mutual action on erythro- and thrombocytopoiesis. The decrease of the dose rate was followed by a gradual predominance of the somatic disease influence on leukocyte (neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) counts.     

Influence of an alternating magnetic field on the bactericidal effect of ionizing radiation

A study was made of the effect of alternating magnetic field (AMF) and ionizing radiation delivered separately or in a combination on the microorganisms differing in radio-resistance. AMF (240 and 750 E) had no pronounced bactericidal action. A synergistic increase in the sterilizing effect of ionizing radiation was demonstrated after incubation of irradiated bacteria in AMF. The radiation-magnetic technique is proposed for sterilization of preparations and articles made of non-thermoresistant materials which permits to decrease by 1.5 times the bactericidal dose of ionizing radiation.     

Zn uptake by maize under the influence of AM-fungi and Collembola Folsomia candida

Zn uptake by maize plants may be affected by the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Collembola often play an important controlling role in the inter-relationship between AMF and host plants. The objective of this experiment was to examine whether the presence of Collembola at different densities (0.4 and 1 individuals g⁻¹ dry soil) and their activity have any effect on Zn uptake by maize through the plant–AMF system. The presence of the AMF (Glomus intraradices) and of the Collembola species Folsomia candida was studied in a laboratory microcosm experiment, applying a Zn exposure level of 250 mg kg⁻¹ dry soil. Biomass and water content of the plants were no different when only AMF or when both AMF and Collembola were present. In the presence of AMF the Zn content of the plant shoots and roots was significantly higher than without AMF. This effect was reduced by Collembola at both low and high density. High densities of Collembola reduced the extent of AMF colonization of the plant roots and hyphal length in the soil, but low densities had no effect on either. The results of this experiment reveal that the F. candida–G. intraradices interaction affects Zn uptake by maize, but the mechanisms are still unknown.     

Effect of low intensity pulsed laser radiation of basic parameters of aging in Drosophila melanogaster

The effect of the low-intensive impulse laser radiation (LILR) on the life span of Drosophila melanogaster has been studied. The flies at various stages of their life (larvae and imago) were exposed to LILR. The estimation of the effect of LILR was carried out on the basis of the analysis of the basis parameters of aging. We found out increasing as well as shortening effects of the life span. The direction of the effect depends on parameters of radiation, stage of development of irradiated individuals and their sex.     

The mycorrhizal status of Phragmites australis in several polluted soils and sediments of an industrialised region of Northern Portugal

Roots of Phragmites australis from three polluted soils and sediments (a periodically flooded stream bank containing organic pollutants, a high-pH drying sedimentation pond and an acidic, periodically flooded sand polluted by industrial effluents) were sampled over a 1-year cycle of plant growth to assess the degree of colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). At the dry sedimentation pond, root samples of Juncus effusus and Salix atrocinerea were also taken to assess the presence of AMF throughout the year. Root colonisation was low (<5% root length colonised) but arbuscule presence peaked in P. australis during the spring and autumn prior to flowering. These changes in arbuscule abundance were also seen in a parallel greenhouse trial using seed taken from one of the sites. Roots of J. effusus contained mainly vesicular colonisation but arbuscule activity peaked during the winter months (December–March). S. atrocinerea roots were found to be ectomycorrhizal throughout the year but the fine feeder roots were colonised by AMF. The results confirm that semi-aquatics, like P. australis, can become arbuscular mycorrhizal but that this status changes during the year depending on soil moisture content and plant phenology. The influence of AMF in these polluted soils is uncertain but the potential exists to establish a more diverse plant ecosystem during the landscaping of these areas (phytostabilisation) by management of adapted plant and AMF ecotypes. Accepted: 6 November 2000     

丛枝菌根真菌与深色有隔内生真菌对姜瘟病的防效及抗病机理初探

【背景】青枯劳尔氏菌(Ralstonia solanacearum,R.S)引发的姜瘟病是生姜产业发展的瓶颈问题。丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, AMF)与深色有隔内生真菌(dark septate endophytes,DSE)是两类重要的共生微生物。【目的】前期研究发现,AMF与DSE可提高生姜对姜瘟病的抗性,但其抗病机制尚不清楚,极大地限制了利用这两类共生真菌对该病的防治。【方法】在温室条件下做盆栽试验,以生姜组培苗为材料,设立接种AMF、DSE和不接种AMF、DSE的对照(CK)处理,并在上述处理下的植物生长4周后淋入病原菌液,病原菌接种1周后,通过测定菌根侵染率、发病率、叶绿素含量、光合指标、磷(P)含量、防御性酶活性及丙二醛(malondialdehyde, MDA)含量,研究AMF和DSE互作对病原菌侵染后生姜生长和生理生化指标的影响。【结果】AMF和DSE分别使姜瘟病发病率降低了45.27%和52.04%(P<0.05)。AMF+DSE组合处理抑病效果更好,发病率较对照降低60.87%(P<0.05)。AMF、DSE及...     

Medicinal plants as hosts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte associations of 31 medicinal plant species collected from the Garden of Medicinal Plants of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum in Kraków were investigated. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) was found in 30 species; 23 were of the Arum-type, 5—Paris and 2 taxa revealed intermediate morphology. Many plants were strongly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The mycelium of dark septate endophytes (DSE) was observed in 21 taxa. However, the percentage of root colonization by these fungi was low. Spores of 15 species of AMF (Glomeromycota) were found in the rhizosphere of the investigated plants. Our results are the first detailed report of both AMF and DSE associations of these plant species. The use of AMF and DSE during the process of medicinal plant cultivation for pharmaceutical purposes is discussed.     

Changes in Superoxide Dismutase Activity and Peroxynitrite Content in Rat Peritoneal Macrophages Exposed to He-Ne Laser Radiation

The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by rat peritoneal macrophages induced by a low-intensity He-Ne laser radiation (LR) was studied in this work. It was found that the formation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite as well as changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) depended to a large extent on the LR dose. In particular, it was found that activation of SOD at low LR doses was accompanied by nitric oxide level increase, while the level of peroxynitrite showed no significant changes. On the other hand, an enhanced LR dose inhibited the enzyme, and this was accompanied by peroxynitrite accumulation. All the measurements were carried out the day after LR treatment. The revealed regularities consequently demonstrate the existence of a deferred LR action on macrophages associated with the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.     

Hypericin and pseudohypericin concentrations of a valuable medicinal plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypericum perforatum</Emphasis> L. are enhanced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s-wort, Hypericaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant species cultivated for pharmaceutical purposes. Although the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of H. perforatum have been well studied, no data are available concerning the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on this important herb. A laboratory experiment was therefore conducted in order to test three AMF inocula on H. perforatum with a view to show whether AMF could influence plant vitality (biomass and photosynthetic activity) and the production of the most valuable secondary metabolites, namely anthraquinone derivatives (hypericin and pseudohypericin) as well as the prenylated phloroglucinol—hyperforin. The following treatments were prepared: (1) control—sterile soil without AMF inoculation, (2) Rhizophagus intraradices (syn. Glomus intraradices), (3) Funneliformis mosseae (syn. Glomus mosseae), and (4) an AMF Mix which contained: Funneliformis constrictum (syn. Glomus constrictum), Funneliformis geosporum (syn. Glomus geosporum), F. mosseae, and R. intraradices. The application of R. intraradices inoculum resulted in the highest mycorrhizal colonization, whereas the lowest values of mycorrhizal parameters were detected in the AMF Mix. There were no statistically significant differences in H. perforatum shoot mass in any of the treatments. However, we found AMF species specificity in the stimulation of H. perforatum photosynthetic activity and the production of secondary metabolites. Inoculation with the AMF Mix resulted in higher photosynthetic performance index (PI_total) values in comparison to all the other treatments. The plants inoculated with R. intraradices and the AMF Mix were characterized by a higher concentration of hypericin and pseudohypericin in the shoots. However, no differences in the content of these metabolites were detected after the application of F. mosseae. In the case of hyperforin, no significant differences were found between the control plants and those inoculated with any of the AMF applied. The enhanced content of anthraquinone derivatives and, at the same time, better plant vitality suggest that the improved production of these metabolites was a result of the positive effect of the applied AMF strains on H. perforatum. This could be due to improved mineral nutrition or to AMF-induced changes in the phytohormonal balance. Our results are promising from the biotechnological point of view, i.e. the future inoculation of H. perforatum with AMF in order to improve the quality of medicinal plant raw material obtained from cultivation.