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An immunodeficiency in Fell ponies: a preliminary study into cellular responses
S C Bell1, C Savidge, P Taylor
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, The University Of Liverpool, UK.
Equine Veterinary Journal
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Fell pony syndrome in foals is a potential immunodeficiency characterized by low lymphocyte counts and reduced MHC II expression. This condition in UK foals doesn't match known immunodeficiencies, requiring further study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Equine Health
- Foal Diseases
Background:
- Fell pony syndrome causes mortality in UK foals.
- The syndrome's underlying immunodeficiency is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunological characteristics of Fell pony syndrome.
- To compare affected foals with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Differential blood cell counts.
- Flow cytometry analysis of circulating leukocytes.
- Lymphocyte response to mitogens.
Main Results:
- Syndrome foals exhibited lymphopenia (low lymphocyte counts).
- Reduced MHC II expression on lymphocytes was observed in affected foals.
- Increased CD11a/18 expression on lymphocytes suggests a response to bacterial infection.
Conclusions:
- The immunological profile of Fell pony syndrome does not align with known immunodeficiencies.
- Further research into bone marrow function is warranted.