Modulating Properties of Vilcacora in the Experimentally-Induced Local Pneumonia of Calves

Summary

The study was performed on 20 white and black lowland breed calves, divided into two equal groups. The calves from group I were treated orally with 3600 mg/claf/day powdered Vilcacora in a form of 200 ml decoction for 17 consecutive days. The calves in group II received placebo. A series of haematological parameters, eicosanoid concentrations and immunophenotype of peripheral blood leukocytes were assayed in the whole blood and serum of calves. Significant changes caused by progress of pneumonia process and regulating influence of vilcacora decoction oral application were found in the behaviour of the animals concerning rectal body temperature, breathing, heart rate, appetite and vitality, and also in remaining laboratory indexes tested. The rectal temperature significantly increased after 5 days of the study in untreated animals compared to the group of treated calves and it had the higher level up to 9 days. Similar changesw were also observed concerning remaining investigated clinical parameters (breathing and heart rate). Examination of the surface marker expression on lymphocytes from whole blood of calves from group I revealed a significant increase in total number and percentage of CD2- (T-lymphocytes) and CD4- (positive cells (T helper lymphocytes) as the result of vilcacora treatment. On the other hand a systematic decrease of nutrophil and MID-cell number in peripheral blood of the treated calves was observed. Finally the values at the last day of the experiment were statistically significantly lower compared with the initial values. The distinct inhibiting influence of vilcacora treatment was noted regarding eicosanoid synthesis and releasing of the proinflammatory mediators, and also nutritional inflammatory markers such as Fe, Zn and Cu. In conclusion, vilcacora seems to be safe for haematopoetic system and useful as a modulator of inflammatory process in calves suffering lung disorders.

Immunomodulating Effect of Vilcacora in Calves

Summary

The study was performed on 20 white and black lowland breed calves, divided into two groups. The calves from group I were treated orally with 4200 mg/claf/day powdered Vilcacora for 8 consecutive days. The calves in group II received placebo. A series of haematological parameters, parameters of non-specifical immunity and immunophenotype of peripheral blood leukocytes were assayed in the blood of calves. No significant changes caused by oral application of vilcacora were noticed in the behaviour of the animals concerning typical clinical symptoms (rectal body temperature, breathing and heart rate), appetite, vitality and effectivity of digesting process, and also in haematological indexes tested. The phagocytic index, a pecentage of cells involved in phagocytosis, and random migration of neutrophils were significantly higher in treated calves in comparison with control group. The percentage of neutrophils reducing nitroblue tetrazolium salt was also higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. Examination of surface marker expression on lymphocytes from whole blood of calves revealed an increase in total number and percentage of CD2- (T lymphocytes) and CD4- positive cells (T helper lymphocytes) and a decrease in the percentage of WC4-positive cells (B lymphocytes) and granulocytes as a result of vilcacora treatment. In conclusion, vilcacora preparation seems to be safe for haematopoetic system and useful as an enhancer of non-specific immunity in calves.