The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a six-week aerobic training on peripheral blood in adults with Down syndrome. Fifteen men with Down syndrome (average age 22.4 years ± 0.91) with moderate or severe intellectual disability took part in the study. Patients underwent a training program three times a week for six weeks. Venous blood samples of 10 ml were collected from every examined patient, 24 hours before and after the exercise. The blood samples were submitted to hematological examination (hematocrit, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, red blood cell (RBC) number, RBC indicators: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)), reduced glutathione (GSH) level and number of macrocytes, polikilocytrometric examination of RBC and rheological blood examination (elongation index (EI), aggregation index (AI), syllectogram amplitude (AMP), aggregation half time (t1/2)) was made by LORCA. Amoderate six-week physical training performed on a cycloergometer resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the MCV value, hematocrit and plasma viscosity. The six-week cycloergometer training caused a statistically significant increase in the GSH level and erythrocyte pliability at a shear stress of 0.58 Pa.

The principal aim of the study was to investigate rheological properties of erythrocytes obtained from patients admitted to the clinic, and diagnosed with polycythemia vera. The polycythemia vera diagnosis was based on the WHO criteria for polycythemia vera. Using a laser rheometer SSD Rheometer-Rheodyn, the elongation index of erythrocytes was determined, indicating an increased rigidity of the erythrocytes in this disease compared with the erythrocytes in healthy people. In order to explain (albeit partially) the reason for reduced elasticity, the erythrocytes of patients with polycythemia were studied for the activity of enzymes - glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase membrane enzyme, as well as the levels of glutathione and malonyldialdehyde. The elevated activities of these enzymes, the glutathione level, and elevated ‰ of reticulocytes, indicated an increased pool of juvenile erythrocyte forms; furthermore, the elevated value of malonyldialdehyde may suggest a lipid peroxidative damage in certain pool of the erythrocyte membrane in blood circulation.

The rheological properties of erythrocytes: elongation and the aggregation, as well as basic peripheral blood parameters: RBC number, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC reticulocytes, fibrinogen level, ESR, and glucose level were studied in a group of erysipelas patients. The concentration of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) in erythrocytes was also measured, as an indicator of oxidative stress exerted. The study involved 18 erysipelas patients and 18 healthy subjects. The rheological properties and the aggregation of erythrocytes were studied with the use of a LORCA instrument (Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyser). Differences were found in elongation index (EI) between the blood control (C) and patients (P), with an increase of this value only at 0.58 Pa shear stress and at 1.13 Pa shear stress. Upstroke were used as the indexes of RBC deformability, and the following aggregation parameters: intensity of light scattering in the prior disaggregation (Isc dis) - C - 43.0 au (arbitrary units), P - 44.8 au, time when cells are round and not aggregated (Isc top) - C - 51.6 au, P - 49.3 au, the amplitude of aggregation, the difference between Isc max and Isc min (AMP) - C - 39.9 au, P - 28.7 au, aggregation index (AI) - C - 64.6%, P - 70.0%, time for reach one half of the maximum aggregation (t(1/2)) - C - 2.0 s, P - 1.5 s, threshold shear stress, the lowest force that breaks the aggregation formed (Y(thr)) in P exceed 170% control group were measured. A decrease in the elasticity of erythrocytes in erysipelas patients was associated with the simultaneous increase of MDA - C - 0.08 nM/mgHb, P - 0.11 nM/mgHb content in the membranes of red blood cells. Basic peripheral blood parameters studied in patients with erysipelas did not differ significantly from the control group except for WBC, fibrinogen (C - 3.8 g/l, P - 7.8 g/l), and ESR (C - 6.1 mm/h, P - 45.4 mm/h) which were significantly higher.

In a hematopoietic microenvironment in vivo, spatial organisation of hematopoiesis is possible due to the existence of a three-dimensional framework, the main part of which is formed by a branching population of stromal cells. Most of the previous in vitro studies, concerning long-term bone marrow cultures, were based on a previously prepared, flat adherent layer of stromal cells. There are only few reports concerning the three-dimensional growth pattern of the bone marrow stroma. In the present study we used a new three-dimensional model of the stromal cell culture. The framework for the cultured stromal cells was a structure of a nonliving trabecular bone (Unilab Surgibone). After a period of about four weeks the stromal cells created a spatial network which filled the intertrabecular spaces of the spongy bone.

Deformability and activity of the enzymes: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dehydrogenase glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-PD), were assayed for RBC enriched in immature reticulocytes. Reticulocytosis was evoked by administration of two different drugs: recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and phenylhydrazine (PHZ) to two groups of Wistar rats. After treatment with the former compound, a group of animals exhibited 17.33% reticulocytes in blood whereas a group of rats treated with the latter drug reached 57.66% of these cells in blood. A marked decrease in RBC deformability was found in both groups of animals. AChE did not significantly change activity neither in PHZ-treated nor in rHuEPO-treated rats, whereas G-6-PD activity was significantly decreased in the PHZ-treated group.

Locations of the hematopoietic tissue have been described in the following ophidian species: Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacusu, Waglerophis merremii, Elaphe teniura teniura, Boa constrictor, and Python reticulatus. Studies were carried out on perfusion fixed vertebrae, ribs, spleen, liver, thymus, and kidney. Routine histological technique was applied using both light and electron microscopy. Hematopoietic tissue was found in the following locations of the vertebrae: neural spine, neural arch, postzygophysis processes, hypapophysis, vertebral centre. Moreover, intense hematopoiesis was found inside the ribs. In the spleen and thymus, only lymphopoiesis was found. Hematopoietic islets in the spleen were sporadically found only in young specimens. No hematopoiesis was observed in the liver and kidney. In the studied species, there were no differences in the location of hematopoietic tissue. A new model of mature and immature blood cell release to the lumen of marrow sinuses different from that known to operate in higher vertebrates is proposed.

This is the first description of haematopoiesis in snakes. Studies were carried out on the following species belonging to Ophidia: Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacusu, Waglerophis merremii, Elaphe taeniura taeniura, Boa constrictor, and Python reticulatus. Smears of the peripheral blood and histological preparations from the vertebrae, ribs, liver, and spleen were studied under a light and electron microscope. Myeloid cells were present in the following locations in the vertebrae: the neural spine, zygoapophysial processes, floor of the neural canal, lacunae in the bodies of vertebrae and also inside the ribs. Although the vascular system was well developed, especially around the ribs, vessels inside the marrow cavities were scarce, both in the ribs and elsewhere where haematopoiesis was found. Venous sinuses were well developed in the vertebrae and in the rib regions from their costal head towards the middle area. They consisted of one layer of fine endothelial cells. Mature cells in the process of migration into the general circulation were only sporadically encountered when venous sinuses were studied on perfusion-fixed specimens. In contrast, almost every sinus venosus contained protrusions directed towards the lumen, filled mostly with mature and immature blood cells. Various stages of their formation were seen in the cross sections of venous sinuses ranging from small, newly formed to large, elongated ones, filled with many fully developed and some maturing blood cells. In many cases the apices of the protrusions were ruptured, and mature blood cells, as well as a few immature ones, were seen in their vicinity. This observation led us to a new hypothesis that blood cells are released from the extravascular space into the lumen of venous sinuses. In snakes, these cells are released into the systemic circulation mainly via the rupture of protrusions filled with mature blood cells and, to a lesser degree, by transcytosis as known in mammals. In the spleens from young specimens, 1–2 foci of haematopoiesis were encountered where lymphopoiesis predominated. Haematopoiesis was not detected in the liver.

The influence of occupational exposure to mercury vapours on the activity of the red cell enzymes [glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], as well as on peripheral blood indices [erythrocyte number (RBC), HCT, Hb, MCHC] and on serum concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC), was assessed. Studies were carried out on 46 men aged between 21 and 56 years ( X=39±10.4) exposed to mercury vapours during their work from 7 months to 32 years (=14.7±10.8). The control group consisted of 35 healthy workers aged between 20 and 54 years ( X=33.6±9.8) not exposed to chemical nor physical agents. In both groups studied, there were 50% and 34.3% smokers, respectively. The activity of studied red cell enzymes—G-6PD, AChE, GR and SOD—was estimated according to the colorimetric methods described by Beutler and expressed as international units per gram of hemoglobin (IU g Hb−1). Peripheral blood cell parameters were determined using an automatic cell counter. The concentration of serum iron and TIBC was determined using colorimetric methods (Beckman), while that of ferritin and transferrin by nephelometric methods. The time-weighted average (TWA) of mercury concentration in the air determined before the study was 0.0028 mg m−3. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using either the Cochran and Cox C-test or the Student's t-test. The medium mercury concentration in the urine was 77.44±48.15 μg 1−1. In the group exposed to mercury vapours, a significant decrease was found in G-6PD activity (23.9%, P<0.001), GR (18.8%, P<0.001), and SOD (5%, P<0.001) with a concomitant increase in AChE activity (35.9%, P<0.001) was found. Moreover, a statistically significant increase occurred in HCT and RBC, and a decrease in MCV and MCHC as well as increases of ferritin (130.9%, P<0.001), transferrin (118.4%, P<0.001) and TIBC (11.2%, P<0.05). Our results indicate that long-term exposure to mercury vapours induces changes in the activity of red cell enzymes—G-6PD, AChE, GR and SOD—and may also influence other important hematological parameters of the peripheral blood.

The paper presents the results of surgical stabilization of pseudoarthrosis of long bone augmented by a transfer of in vitro cultivated bone marrow interstitium cells in 4 patients. In three cases a Zespol external fixation device was applied without opening the pseudoarthrosis. One patient was treated by open reduction of the bone fragments with the use of frozen spongiose bone grafts. The mean age of the patients was 30.2 years. In two cases the pseudoarthrosis had developed in the tibia, in the remaining two cases it developed in the ulna. The pseudoarthrosis was present for a mean time of 2.5 years. In all cases healing of the pseudoarthrosis was observed after a mean time of 3.7 months.

The osteocalcin serum level was monitored in 6 patients with long bone fracture. Immunohistochemical method was used at the day of fracture and also 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after. In 3 cases an autogenic bone marrow grafting was done and osteocalcin level was monitored. The progressive increase was observed in the 4th week after fracture.

The incidence of megakaryocytic emperipolesis was studied in the bone marrow of normal and X-irradiated mice. Two groups of mice received total body irradiation with a single dose of 5 Gy and one of the two groups had been treated with a radioprotective drug, ethiofos (WR-2721), before irradiation. Mice from a third group remained unexposed to irradiation and served as controls. The Wright-Giemsa stained bone marrow smears were analyzed every 5 days during a 30-day period, starting 1 day after irradiation. The number of megakaryocytes exhibiting the phenomenon was determined and expressed as an average value for every experimental group. The frequency of megakaryocytic emperipolesis was less than 15% of megakaryocytes from control smears but increased to 34% in mice that had only been irradiated and to 43% when mice were treated with WR-2721 before irradiation. In the last case, i.e., irradiation and treatment with a radioprotective drug, a positive correlation between the macrocytic megakaryocytes and elevated emperipolesis was noted. Under light microscopy, there were no signs of phagocytosis; engulfed cells remained unaltered with their normal structure intact. Granulocytic, erythroid, and lymphoid cells appeared to be the most frequent marrow cells engulfed by mature megakaryocytes. The number of incorporated cells in one megakaryocyte ranged from 1 to 3, though occasionally more than 6 were seen in macrocytic megakaryocytes. Based on our findings and on a review of the associated literature, we believe emperipolesis is an interesting cellular phenomenon related to the fast passage of marrow cells across the marrow-blood barrier, especially through the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes in response to an increased demand for cell delivery. The high demand for cell delivery which occurs after irradiation may cause certain mature bone marrow cells to take a transmegakaryocyte path to enter the circulation of the blood. Irradiation seems to have an immediate effect (observed after 24 h) on emperipolesis, suggesting that a humoral factor is involved in the pathogenesis.

The effects of haemodialysate and its three peptide fractions on acetylcholinesterase (AChE, E.C. 3.1.1.7) activity in erythrocytes from healthy subjects and patients with terminal renal insufficiency treated by repeated haemodialyses have been studied. It was shown that erythrocytes from haemodialysed patients display an increased activity of the enzyme if compared with those from healthy subjects. Neither haemodialysate nor any of its three peptide fractions, when incubated with erythrocytes from healthy subjects and from haemodialysed patients, have altered the activity of the enzyme, except for fraction III at the highest concentration. This fraction exerted an inhibitory effect on AChE activity of the erythrocyte derived from healthy subjects.

1. Studies were performed regarding the effects of aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate in concentrations of 5 mg/kg of body weight on the delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, iron level and hematological parameters. Wistar rats were exposed to these pollutants for 10, 20, 40 and 80 days. 2. The results demonstrated that aluminum chloride was more toxic than aluminum nitrate and both treatments brought about significant changes in these parameters in Wistar rats bone marrow. 3. The toxic effects of aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate are manifested by a significant decrease of delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the bone marrow of rats. 4. The iron level in bone marrow with aluminum chloride and aluminum nitrate gradually dropped after 10, 20, 40 and 80 days of intoxication. 5. In the peripheral blood a significant decrease in the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit value and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were also found in experimental animals.

In experimental studies on rabbits, osteogenic properties of stromal cells were confirmed after in vitro growth for 7 and 14 d. The cell suspension was percutaneously transplanted into a surgically produced bone defect in the rabbit's radius. The bone scar produced was X-rayed, and histologically and mineralogically examined after 10, 20 and 40 d follow-ups. Differences in the bone defect healing process (the healing rate and the type of bone tissue produced) were shown between the experimental and the control foreleg. Within the experimental foreleg, healing was considerably accelerated with compact bone formation on a membranous matrix, whilst in the control foreleg, a coarse, fibrous woven bone on a cartilaginous matrix was dominant.

The effect of small doses of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME) on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) in erythrocytes and whole blood as well as on the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) in blood and bone marrow was studied in Wistar rats. Significant reduction in the activity of both enzymes was noted three days after ip administration of 200 mg/kg b.w. EGMME whereas seven days later the activity of both enzymes returned to the control levels. Activity of ALA-D in blood appeared to be most sensitive to EGMME, and reacted even to the lowest dose, which did not significantly alter activity of ACHE or ALA-D in bone marrow. Haematological parameters in all treated groups remained unaltered.