[Morphological and histochemical changes in rabbits living for various times in the vicinity of cement factories in the villages of Beli Izvor and Zlatna Panega].

Results are reported of morphologic and histochemical studies on 60 rabbits, exposed for scattered times to the noxious effects of neighbouring cement works (gr.I - more than one year, gr.II - up to one year, and gr.III - up to 6 months - progeny of gr.I). Experiment No 1 was carried out near the village of Beli Izvor, experiment No 2 - near the village of Zlatna Panega. The results were compared with those obtained in a group of 10 normal control animals at the breeding station in Russe. The degree of morphologic changes in the organs was in direct proportion to the duration of exposure. Comparative assessment of the morphologic findings in rabbits dwelling near Beli Izvor and near Zlatna Panega showed a milder degree of organ damage in rabbits of experiment No 2 (cement works near Zlatna Penga). Inhibition of the T - and B-zones in the lymph follicles of the spleen was observed, indicating injury to the lymph (immunogenic) tissues, which are essential for the normal existence of these animals.