Influence of antigen stimulation on the oxidative stress parameters in outbred and inbred rabbits

The influence of antigen stimulation on the oxidative stress parameters in two groups of rabbits-inbred and outbred were explored by evaluation of the level of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) in the plasma membrane, and the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant defense enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). There was not a significant difference between levels of MDA in inbred and outbred rabbits before immunization. However, SOD activity in inbred rabbits was significantly increased in comparison with that of outbred (p = 0.006). Significantly higher plasma levels of lipid peroxidation products were detected in both inbred and outbred rabbits during immune response in comparison to the corresponding groups before immunization (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002). SOD and CAT activities in erythrocytes of rabbits during immune response were also significantly increased compared to that before immunization. In addition, during immune response SOD and CAT activities were found to be positively correlated to each other in both inbred and outbred rabbits (r = 0.727 and r = 0.916). In conclusion, our results suggest the presence of an increased oxidative stress during the antigen stimulation accompanied by an adaptive increase of SOD and CAT activities. 30 days after immunization, the plasma levels of MDA and the activities of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes decreased and reached values close to the controls.