The impact of fetal load of Hirudo verbana saline extract antigens on morphometrical, hematological and immunological parameters of rats in the early stages of post-embryonic development

The aim of the study was to determine the immunostimulatory effect of antigens from saline extract of the medicinal leech on the morphometric parameters of the body and major immunogenic organs of rats. Wild-type female rats were administered medicinal leech saline extract antigens intraperitoneally two weeks before and two weeks after mating (in total four injections). The offspring were examined, as were the mothers after feeding the offspring, at 1, 15, 30, 60 days after birth. The morphometric parameters of the animals were recorded. The animals were then decapitated under anesthesia and subjected to the following tests: morphometric parameters of immunogenic organs (spleen and thymus), total white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, color index and leukocyte formula. In addition, the absorption activity of neutrophils was examined: phagocyte index, phagocyte number, phagocytic capacity of the blood, the number of active phagocytes. From day 1, the medicinal leech antigens were associated with increased numbers of white blood cells and red blood cells, elevated hemoglobin level, increased absorption activity of neutrophils; however, the colour index remained in the normal range. These changes indicate that the antigens found in the saliva of medicinal leeches have an immune-stimulating influence on leucopoiesis, erythropoiesis and morphogenesis.