EFFECT OF LEECH EXTRACT ON LYMPHOCYTES IN THERMAL BURNS

Purpose of the work. The study aimed to evaluate changes in the quantitative composition of lymphocytes and the blast transformation reaction of lymphocytes under spontaneous conditions and concanavalin A stimulation during the healing of a thermal burn, as well as to determine the immunomodulatory effect of the water-salt extract of the medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana). Methodology. The experimental study was conducted using a thermal burn model. Animals were divided into intact, control (thermal burn without treatment), and experimental groups treated with the water-salt extract of Hirudo verbana. Blood samples were collected on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 after injury. The percentage of lymphocytes and the blast transformation reaction of lymphocytes were assessed under spontaneous conditions and after stimulation with concanavalin A using standard immunological methods. Results were expressed as M ± m, and statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the dynamics of lymphocyte proliferative activity during thermal burn healing under the influence of the water-salt extract of the medicinal leech were quantitatively characterized. It was demonstrated that the extract promotes faster restoration of ConA-induced blast transformation of lymphocytes and prevents prolonged post-burn immunosuppression. Conclusions. Thermal burn injury caused transient lymphopenia, increased spontaneous blast transformation, and suppression of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Application of the water-salt extract of Hirudo verbana reduced the severity of these changes and ensured normalization of both quantitative and functional lymphocyte parameters by day 14 of the experiment. The obtained results confirm the pronounced immunomodulatory potential of the medicinal leech extract during reparative processes.