EN
The aim of the study was to examine the influence of Se, vitamins E and C injections before parturition (in the recommended doses) on the activity of leucocytes and antioxidative status of blood in cows during the puerperal period. Blood samples from 32 cows constituted the material for laboratory tests. Three weeks before the expected parturition 16 cows were treated with a single injection of 500 mg of vitamin E as tocopherol acetate, and 5 mg of sodium selenite. In addition, the animals were injected intramuscularly with 2.5 g of vitamin C for five consecutive days. The control group consisted of 16 cows that did not receive the above mentioned antioxidants. Blood samples were collected twice before the parturition and in 1, 2 and 4 weeks after it. T lymphocytes subpopulations were evaluated by flow cytometry (FACS Calibur Becton Dickinson). Total antioxidative status was determined on the basis of TAS, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activity (using Randox and Oxis test kits). Spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence (CL) of neutrophils in whole blood was measured (Luminometr BioOrbit 1251) using opsonized zymosan (OZ) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) as stimulators. The study showed that the primary manner to induce phagocytic activity during the puerperal period is through an extrareceptor mechanism. After parturition the antioxidative defense system is weakened and injections of antioxidative preparations improve the pro-antioxidative balance of the organism. The injected Antioxidants also increased T lymphocytes proliferation. The antioxidative preparations in the applied doses do not stimulate the oxidative burst of the granulocytes. The obtained results suggest that the injection of vitamins C, E and Se in doses recommended by manufacturers should be made in the last week before parturition.