Effect of melatonin implants on the morphological picture of selected internal organs, and hematological and biochemical indices in minks.
This study was aimed at monitoring the effect of melatonin implants on selected hematological and biochemical indices as well as on morphology changes of lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys and brain in minks. Experiments were carried out on 300 minks aged 2 years, bred under conditions of a large-herd farm and fed identical feedstuff. Melatonin implants were inserted subcutaneously to the minks in the form of granules containing 6 mg of melatonin. The control group consisted of minks from the basic herd. A better appetite and higher body weights characterized the experimental minks. Skins obtained were larger, thinner and covered with springy hair with a good sheen, yet were stragglier than in the control group. The hematological indices analyzed did not differ between the groups and were within referential values. Biochemical indices of liver and kidneys profiles were better in the experimental group. In the experimental minks, histopathological examinations demonstrated lesser intensity of disorders in brain and liver circulation, lesser intensity of degenerative lesions in liver tissues and kidneys as well as smaller infiltration of lymphocytic and plasmatic cells in lungs and liver.
Kopczewski
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A
Veterinary Hygiene Research Station, Kaprów 10, 80-316 Gdańsk, Poland. zhwo@wiw.gdansk.gov.pl
Sroka
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A
Rotkiewicz
T
T
Otrocka-Domagała
I
I
Zoń
A
A
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000662:veterinary; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008907:Mink; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects
D004343:Drug Implants; D008550:Melatonin