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This study investigates influence of the anti-anthrax vaccination on blast transformation capacity of the leukocytes and also the possible in vitro influence of two, taxonomically different, autochthonous plants, Calendula officinalis and Vaccinium mirtyllus in promoting post-vaccinal proliferation. For that, blood was sampled on heparine (50 IU/ml) before and two weeks after the anti-anthrax vaccination (R 1190 Stamatin strain) of twenty-three dairy cows and 11 calves raised extensively. Blood samples were subjected to the in vitro blast transformation test, where glucose consumption was read after 72 hours of incubation at 37oC by the o-toluidine test. The experimental variants included samples treated with alcoholic extracts of the plants (7.5 µ/ml). There was a statistically significant increase in all the stimulation indices after the vaccination of the animals in cows, including those for Vaccinium myrtillus (48.57±13.27 to 53.53±12.49, p=0.02) and Calendulla officinalis (56.39±12.57 and 61.51±13.85, p=0.01). The increase induced in the growth of calf lymphocytes by the two plants was non-significant post vaccination. Both extracts could be used to enhance cell mediated immunity but there was an age dependent improvement of their in vitro response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of genus Eimeria , is a disease with large impact on poultry production worldwide. It is well known that Eimeria immunity is dependent on Th1-type responses. Gap Statement. In vitro assessment of Eimeria -specific T-cell activity would therefore be a valuable research tool but has so far proven difficult to establish. Aim. induced blast transformation and CD25 expression in defined chicken T-cell populations as a measure of in vitro induced blast transformation and CD25 expression in defined chicken T-cell populations as a measure of Eimeria immunity. Methodology. Three E. tenella infection experiments were performed and PBMC and/or spleen cells were collected between 6 and 16 days after infection of chickens. Cells were stimulated in vitro with E. tenella antigens and T-cell activation was assessed by immunofluorescence labelling and flow cytometry. Results. The results consistently showed statistically significant E. tenella induced blast transformation and/or CD25 expression albeit not always in concert on the same days after infection indicating complex kinetics of T-cell responses. In general, responses were higher for spleen cells compared to PBMC for all responding T-cell populations. E. tenella induced blast transformation and/or CD25 expression albeit not always in concert on the same days after infection indicating complex kinetics of T-cell responses. In general, responses were higher for spleen cells compared to PBMC for all responding T-cell populations. Conclusions. This methodology shows promise to study Eimeria -specific T-cells, e.g. to evaluate vaccine responses. Results indicated that a Th1-type response was induced and suggested a role for CD4+CD8αα+ cells in Eimeria immunity.