A comparative evaluation of methods for estimating the colostrum quality in sows / Avaliação comparativa de métodos para estimar a qualidade do colostro em porcas

Colostrum is the main source of immunoglobulins (Ig) for neonate piglets and plays a crucial role within the health and growth of the piglet. Currently in pig farming, there are still no widespread practical methods for measuring the Ig concentration in colostrum at herd level. We evaluated sows' colostrum IgG concentration using an optical and a digital Brix refractometer and their performance was correlated to an IgG ELISA test, and flow cytometry. Colostrum concentrations of IgG and IgA averaged 74.05 ± 21.37mg/mL and 20.2 ± 5.32mg/mL respectively. The mean value of the Brix percentages for optical refractometer was 26.32%, and for digital was 28.32%. The Brix refractometer measurements of colostrum samples presented high correlation for IgG content analyzed by ELISA (Optical = 0.74, Digital = 0.87; P <0.001). Considering the immunophenotyping, the values for IgG and IgA lymphoblasts indicated a highly significant relationship to ELISA (IgG=0.77, IgA=0.84; P<0.001). The Brix refractometer can be considered a useful tool to be included in a colostrum monitoring program to improve potentially neonatal health. In addition, we demonstrated that flow cytometry can be an important tool to analyze and characterize the immunological potential of sow colostrum.(AU)

O colostro é a principal fonte de imunoglobulinas (Ig) para leitões recém-nascidos e desempenha um papel crucial na saúde e no crescimento dos leitões. Atualmente, na suinocultura, ainda não existem métodos amplamente utilizados na prática de produção para medir a concentração de imunoglobulinas no colostro suíno. Avaliou-se a concentração de IgG no colostro de porcas usando refratômetros Brix óptico e digital, e o desempenho foi comparado com ELISA e citometria de fluxo. As concentrações de IgG e IgA no colostro foram 74,05 ± 21,37mg/mL e 20,2 ± 5,32mg/mL, respectivamente. A percentagem de Brix média das amostras de colostro para o refratômetro óptico foi 26,32%, e para o digital foi 28,32%. As medições dos refratômetros de Brix apresentaram elevada correlação com a concentrações de IgG medidas por ELISA (óptico=0,74, digital=0,87; P<0,001). Considerando a imunofenotipagem, os valores dos linfoblastos IgG e IgA apresentaram alta correlação com o ELISA (IgG=0,77, IgA=0,84; P<0,001). O refratômetro Brix pode ser considerado uma ferramenta útil para ser incluída em um programa de monitoramento de colostro para melhorar a saúde neonatal. Além disso, foi demonstrado que a citometria de fluxo pode ser uma ferramenta importante para analisar e caracterizar o potencial imunológico do colostro de porcas.(AU)

Acute-phase protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from healthy horses / Proteínas de fase aguda do lavado broncoalveolar de equinos hígidos

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed to obtain information on leakage of acute-phase proteins from the blood into the respiratory lumen and about local synthesis. Ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitripsin, immunoglobulin G heavy, immunoglobulin G light, immunoglobulin A, haptoglobin, acidic glycoprotein, and P23 were measured in BALF from 30 horses without inflammatory disease by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In serum, the same proteins were identified except for α1-antitrypsin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) can be used for the determination of acute-phase proteins in BALF samples from horses. In healthy horses, the values are very low, but they can be compared with reference values to assist in the diagnosis of animals with respiratory diseases.(AU)

O líquido obtido através da lavagem broncoalveolar (LBA) foi analisado para obter informações sobre as proteínas da fase aguda. Ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, α1-antitripsina, imunoglobulina G pesada, imunoglobulina G leve, imunoglobulina A, haptoglobina, glicoproteína ácida e P23 foram medidas nos LBA de 30 cavalos sem doença inflamatória por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecilsulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). No soro, as mesmas proteínas foram identificadas, exceto a α1-antitripsina. Em conclusão, este estudo demonstra que a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE) pode ser usada para a determinação de proteínas de fase aguda em amostras de LBA em cavalos. Em cavalos saudáveis, os valores são muito baixos, no entanto, podem ser comparados e auxiliar no diagnóstico de animais com doenças respiratórias.(AU)

Acute-phase protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from healthy horses / Proteínas de fase aguda do lavado broncoalveolar de equinos hígidos

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed to obtain information on leakage of acute-phase proteins from the blood into the respiratory lumen and about local synthesis. Ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitripsin, immunoglobulin G heavy, immunoglobulin G light, immunoglobulin A, haptoglobin, acidic glycoprotein, and P23 were measured in BALF from 30 horses without inflammatory disease by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In serum, the same proteins were identified except for α1-antitrypsin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) can be used for the determination of acute-phase proteins in BALF samples from horses. In healthy horses, the values are very low, but they can be compared with reference values to assist in the diagnosis of animals with respiratory diseases.(AU)

O líquido obtido através da lavagem broncoalveolar (LBA) foi analisado para obter informações sobre as proteínas da fase aguda. Ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, α1-antitripsina, imunoglobulina G pesada, imunoglobulina G leve, imunoglobulina A, haptoglobina, glicoproteína ácida e P23 foram medidas nos LBA de 30 cavalos sem doença inflamatória por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecilsulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). No soro, as mesmas proteínas foram identificadas, exceto a α1-antitripsina. Em conclusão, este estudo demonstra que a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE) pode ser usada para a determinação de proteínas de fase aguda em amostras de LBA em cavalos. Em cavalos saudáveis, os valores são muito baixos, no entanto, podem ser comparados e auxiliar no diagnóstico de animais com doenças respiratórias.(AU)

Temporary immunity of Blackbelly lambs reinfected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Background: Trichostrongylus colubriformis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in warm climates. In this nematode species, anthelmintic resistance (AR) has been reported, which has motivated the search for alternative methods to control it. One practice is to increase the immune response level through the selection of animals with natural resistance, such as Blackbelly sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of IgA and IgG in serum and saliva and the level of cells involved in the acquired resistance in Blackbelly lambs after single artificial reinfection with a resistant strain of Trichostrongylus colubriformis.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen weaned lambs grazed for one month in nematode-contaminated grasslands. All the lambs were treated with Albendazole and Levamisole; later, they were stabled for two months. After that, eight lambs were re-infected with 6000 larvae of T. colubriformis and other eight lambs remained naturally infected. In addition, eight nematode-free lambs raised in cages, served as negative control. Blood samples were taken fortnightly to determine packed cell volume (PCV, %), plasmatic protein (g dL-1), as well as absolute and differential leukocytes. The eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were recorded. An indirect ELISA against T. colubriformis Ag was performed to determine the IgG and IgA levels. [...](AU)

Temporary immunity of Blackbelly lambs reinfected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Background: Trichostrongylus colubriformis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in warm climates. In this nematode species, anthelmintic resistance (AR) has been reported, which has motivated the search for alternative methods to control it. One practice is to increase the immune response level through the selection of animals with natural resistance, such as Blackbelly sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of IgA and IgG in serum and saliva and the level of cells involved in the acquired resistance in Blackbelly lambs after single artificial reinfection with a resistant strain of Trichostrongylus colubriformis.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen weaned lambs grazed for one month in nematode-contaminated grasslands. All the lambs were treated with Albendazole and Levamisole; later, they were stabled for two months. After that, eight lambs were re-infected with 6000 larvae of T. colubriformis and other eight lambs remained naturally infected. In addition, eight nematode-free lambs raised in cages, served as negative control. Blood samples were taken fortnightly to determine packed cell volume (PCV, %), plasmatic protein (g dL-1), as well as absolute and differential leukocytes. The eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were recorded. An indirect ELISA against T. colubriformis Ag was performed to determine the IgG and IgA levels. [...]

O papel de imunoglobulinas na nefropatia da leptospirose em suínos / The role of immunoglobulins in nephropathy of leptospirosis in pigs

A leptospirose é uma antropozoonose endêmica em todo o mundo, que afeta o homem e várias espécies de animais domésticos e silvestres. No início da infecção há produção de IgM para o controle da infecção e após alguns dias, IgG são produzidas e provocam lise das leptospiras circulantes. Objetivou-se neste estudo identificar depósitos de antígeno de leptospiras e imunoglobulinas no tecido renal, para avaliar o papel de imunoglobulinas na patogênese da nefropatia da leptospirose em suínos. Foram colhidas 139 amostras de sangue e rim de suínos das cidades de Teresina/PI e Timon/MA, que foram avaliadas pela SAM, imunoistoquímica e PCR. Nefrite intersticial, fibrose, vasculite, tumefação do tufo glomerular e hipercelularidade difusa foram as principais alterações histopatológicas encontradas. A imunoistoquímica detectou antígeno de leptospira em 60 suínos. Depósitos de IgG, IgM e IgA foram observados no endotélio de capilares glomerulares, dos capilares intertubulares e na cápsula de Bowman, com marcação focal, difusa, global e segmentar. A deposição de IgM e IgA foi significantemente maior nos suínos infectados. Estranhamente depósitos de IgG foi significantemente maior nos suínos não infectados, onde não havia presença de antígeno de leptospiras e nem lesão túbulo-intersticial. Concluímos que antígeno de leptospiras no rim de suínos está relacionado a depósitos de IgM e IgA mas não a depósitos de IgG.(AU)

Leptospirosis is an endemic worldwide anthropozoonosis, affecting humans and several species of domestic and wild animals. At the beginning of infection is the production of IgM to control the infection and after a few days, IgG is produced and cause lysis of circulating leptospires. The objective of this study was to identify deposits of immunoglobulins and antigens of leptospires in kidney tissue, to assess the role of immunoglobulins in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis nephropathy in pigs. We collected 139 blood samples and kidney of pigs from the cities of Timon/MA and Teresina/PI, to be evaluated by SAM, immunohistochemistry and PCR. Interstitial nephritis, fibrosis, vasculitis; swollen glomeruli hypercellularity and diffuse in a pig were main pathological changes found. Immunohistochemistry leptospira antigen detected in 60 pigs. Deposits of IgG, IgM and IgA were observed in the endothelium of glomerular capillaries, the capillaries intertubulares and the Bowman's capsule, marked focal, diffuse, global and segmental. The deposition of IgM and IgA was significantly higher in infected pigs, strangely deposits of IgG was significantly higher in non-infected pigs, where there was no presence of antigen leptospires nor tubulointerstitial injury. We conclude that Leptospira antigen in porcine kidney relates to deposits of IgM and IgA but not IgG deposits.(AU)