Antigenic stimuli do not influence thymic B lymphocytes: a morphological and functional study in germ-free and conventionally reared piglets

We have recently reported that thymic B lymphocytes (TBL) are the first B-cell subpopulation undergoing isotype switching to IgG and IgA during embryonic life. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of antigenic stimulation on TBL location and activity using a germ-free (GF) newborn pig m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental immunology 1998, Vol.6 (3-4), p.171-178
Main Authors: Cukrowska, B, Trebichavský, I, Rossmann, P, Reháková, Z, Sinkora, J, Haverson, K, Lodinová-Zádníková, R, Tlaskalová-Hogenová, H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antigens, Bacterial - immunology
B-Lymphocytes - cytology
B-Lymphocytes - immunology
Cell Differentiation
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Escherichia coli - growth & development
Escherichia coli - immunology
Germ-Free Life
Immunoglobulin Class Switching
Immunoglobulin Isotypes - biosynthesis
Immunohistochemistry
Leukocyte Common Antigens - immunology
Models, Immunological
Spleen - immunology
Swine
Swine, Miniature
Thymus Gland - growth & development
Thymus Gland - immunology
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Summary:We have recently reported that thymic B lymphocytes (TBL) are the first B-cell subpopulation undergoing isotype switching to IgG and IgA during embryonic life. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of antigenic stimulation on TBL location and activity using a germ-free (GF) newborn pig model, in which maternal antibodies and antigens do not affect B-cell development. Immunohistological analysis showed that TBL were disseminated mainly in the thymic medulla. There were no differences in the distribution of TBL, both in GF newborn piglets before and after colonization with Escherichia coli and in older conventionally reared (CONV) piglets. The number of immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting cells measured by the ELISPOT method was not influenced by microflora and food antigens. IgM-positive cells secreting IgM and CD45RC-positive cells spontaneously producing IgM, IgG, and IgA were detected in newborn thymus. Our findings suggest that TBL differentiation and Ig switching to IgG and IgA-secreting cells is not influenced by external antigens and that the thymic microenvironment plays an important role in this process.
ISSN:1044-6672
DOI:10.1155/1998/57820