Activity of neutrophilic granulocytes in rabbits immunized with Chlamydia psittaci

The studies were performed on rabbits preimmunized with killed Chlamydia psittaci antigen (Czech isolate). In the blood of the animals nitrotetrazolium blue reduction test (spontaneous and stimulated) was performed, coefficient of polymorphonuclear cell metabolic activity in NBT test was calculated and myeloperoxidase activity was estimated, haematologic parameters were established and antibodies to Chlamydia psittaci were searched for using complement fixation test. The animals were subjected to clinical examination and their housing was tested for its zoohygienic standard. Analysis of the results demonstrated decreased activity of polymorphonuclear cells 3 to 4 weeks before appearance of anti-Chlamydia antibodies, as detected by complement fixation test.