Immunopathogenesis of experimentally induced proliferative enteropathy in pigs

Macintyre, N., Smith, D.G.E., Shaw, D.J., Thomson, J.R. and Rhind, S.M. (2003) Immunopathogenesis of experimentally induced proliferative enteropathy in pigs. Veterinary Pathology, 40(4), pp. 421-432. (doi: 10.1354/vp.40-4-421)

Abstract

To characterize the immune response associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infection, twenty-eight, 7-week-old pigs were dosed orally with a pure culture of L. intracellularis. Animals were killed 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days postinfection. Light microscopic studies were undertaken to immunophenotype the immunologic response using specific antibodies to T-cell subsets (CD3, CD4, and CD8), B cells, major histocompatibility complex class II, cadherin, and macrophages over the course of time. The results indicate that there is a direct association between the presence of L. intracellularis and reduced T-cell and B-cell numbers. For the first time, this provides evidence of the presence of an immunosuppressive mechanism operating in this disease. Furthermore, macrophage marker studies indicated that macrophages may play a more complex and significant role in the disease process than has been previously reported, with activated macrophages accumulating in infected hyperplastic crypts.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smith, Professor David
• Authors: Macintyre, N., Smith, D.G.E., Shaw, D.J., Thomson, J.R., and Rhind, S.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Veterinary Pathology
• ISSN: 0300-9858
• ISSN (Online): 1544-2217