The influence of BCG antigens conjugates with betulin and betulinic acid on liver cytohistoarchitectonics of guine pigs in experimental tuberculosis

The purpose of research is to study the dynamics of histological changes in the liver of guinea pigs upon administration of conjugates of BCG antigens with betulin and its derivative betulinic acid against the background of infection with a virulent culture of M. bovis (item 14). To conduct the experiment, 3 groups of 15 guinea pigs were formed: individuals of group № 1 (n = 5) received subcutaneous injections of 0.5 ml of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride; animals of group № 2 (n = 5) were administered the antigenic complex of BCG with betulinic acid in the same way at a dose of 1000 μg/ml in a volume of 0.5 ml; group№ 3 (n = 5) - antigenic complex of BCG with betulin at a dose of 500 μg/ml in a volume of 0.5 ml. After 30 days, animals of all groups were infected with a virulent culture of M. bovis (pcs. 14), and then after ano- ther 45 days they were euthanized by inhalation anesthesia with ether vapor, followed by the selection of liver biopsies for histological studies. Analysis of the results of histological studies of the liver of guinea pigs indicates that the use of conjugates of BCG antigens with betulin and betulinic acid promotes the differentiation of both cholangiocytes of the bile ducts and the proliferation of stem hepatocytes with their further transformation into differentiated hepatocytes. Taking into account the data obtained, it can be assumed that betulinic acid and betulin activate regenerative processes and further contribute to the restoration of organ parenchyma. We believe that in order to make informed conclusions about the generative capabilities of drugs based on betulin and betulinic acid, it is necessary to conduct further clinical, laboratory, histological and histochemical studies.