[Creation of a European bison sperm cryobank as a method for preserving the genetic polymorphism of the species].

Sperm was taken from one alive (by electroejaculation) and two dead (from epididymis tissue) wisent males, and was conserved by the method similar to that used to freeze sperm from cattle. Spermatozoon mobility and acrosome conditions underwent no noticeable changes when kept under preservation. Eight cows were fertilized with the sperm which had been kept in liquid nitrogen for three years.

A new species of Leishmania isolated from the great gerbil Rhombomys opimus.

Leishmania turanica n.sp., found infecting the desert rodent Rhombomys opimus in the southern territories of the USSR and the Mongolian People's Republic, is described.

[The identification of Leishmania isolates obtained from patients and dogs with visceral leishmaniasis in the Turkmen SSR].

Using electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel, 11 isolates have been detected by 8 enzymes (PGI, PGM, 6-PGD, MDG, G-6-PGD, ME, ALAT, ASAT) from patients with visceral leishmaniasis and dogs in the Turkmen SSR. The isolates were obtained from different areas of the republic varying in landscape and climatic conditions. The isolates were maintained by passages on golden hamsters.

[The isoenzyme identification and pathogenic characteristics of the Leishmania isolated in natural foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the USSR].

By 8-11 enzymes, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, 378 isolates from R. opimus, 3 isolates from M. libycus, 4 isolates from P.

[Rare variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin in families having neonates with deformities].

Alpha 1-antitrypsin rare variants' distribution in a group of 196 families with developmental malformations of newborns was investigated. Significantly increased frequencies of rare variants were noted in groups of probands and their mothers, as compared to the control groups. Preferential transmission of rare alleles from mothers to probands is demonstrated.