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Chemotactic response of lymphocytes in chicken embryos infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum
1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Abstract:
A prominent feature of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection is a lymphoproliferative response at the site of infection. In this study, artificial air cells (AACs) were made in eggs containing 16-day old chicken embryos. An MG culture and supernates from MG-infected RP-9 cells, HD-11 cells and monocytes were separately deposited on the membranes of the AAC. After incubation for 5 days, the eggs were opened and the AAC membranes were collected for histopathological examinations. Immunolabelling of MG-infected membranes showed a massive infiltration of lymphocytes possessing CD3 surface markers and the presence of cells that secreted lymphotactin, a chemokine. The supernates from MG-infected cells caused the infiltration of comparatively small numbers of lymphocytes. The culture medium-inoculated AACs had no obvious abnormalities of the membranes. It is suggested, therefore, that MG infection of the embryonic membranes causes the embryos to secrete lymphotactin, which induces the migration and accumulation of lymphocytes to the sites of infection.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection triggers a significant immune response in chicken embryos. MG induces embryos to produce lymphotactin, attracting lymphocytes to the infection site.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Avian Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection is known to cause lymphoproliferative responses.
- Understanding the early immune mechanisms in avian embryos is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lymphotactin in the embryonic immune response to Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
- To characterize the cellular infiltration in embryonic membranes following MG exposure.
Main Methods:
- Artificial air cells (AACs) were created in 16-day-old chicken embryos.
- MG culture and supernatants from infected cell lines were introduced into AACs.
- Histopathological and immunolabelling techniques were used to examine AAC membranes after 5 days.
Main Results:
- MG infection led to massive infiltration of CD3+ lymphocytes and lymphotactin-secreting cells in AAC membranes.
- Supernatants from infected cells induced a smaller lymphocyte infiltration.
- Control AACs (culture medium only) showed no significant abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection stimulates embryonic production of lymphotactin.
- Lymphotactin is implicated in the migration and accumulation of lymphocytes to MG infection sites in chicken embryos.
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