Related Experiment Videos
Equine leukocyte antigen system. I. Serological studies
S Lazary1, A L de Weck, S Bullen
1Institute for Clinical Immunology, Inselspital, Horse Clinic of the Veterinary School, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
Transplantation
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Researchers identified mare lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies in new mothers' serum and colostrum. These antibodies target leukocyte antigens, not red blood cells, revealing 18 distinct cell membrane antigen specificities.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary immunology
- Equine reproductive immunology
- Leukocyte antigen research
Background:
- Lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies are present in primiparous mares.
- These antibodies are found in both serum and colostrum.
- Previous research has not fully characterized these antibodies and their targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies in primiparous mares.
- To determine the specificities of antigens targeted by these antibodies on leukocyte membranes.
- To establish a preliminary panel of reagents for equine leukocyte antigen typing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the two-step microcytotoxicity test for antibody detection.
- Tested mare sera and colostra against a panel of leukocytes from unrelated horses.
- Performed absorptions with leukocytes to refine antibody specificity.
- Retested serum reagents on a cell panel from 24 families for antigen characterization.
Main Results:
- Detected lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies in primiparous mare sera and colostra.
- Identified antigens on leukocyte membranes that are distinct from erythrocyte antigens.
- Characterized 18 preliminary antigen specificities on the cell membrane.
- Developed preliminary monospecific reagents for equine leukocyte antigen typing.
Conclusions:
- Mare lymphocytotoxic alloantibodies target specific leukocyte membrane antigens.
- These findings contribute to understanding equine immune responses during pregnancy.
- The characterized antigen specificities offer a foundation for equine leukocyte antigen typing and compatibility studies.