Sex-dependent differences in the IgE response modulated by phytohemagglutinin

M I Astorquiza1, C Cisternas, X Leal

  • 1Institute of Experimental Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia.

Immunology Letters
|October 1, 1987
PubMed

Modulation of the IgE response by PHA treatment in relation to animal sex was analysed. Male and female RF mice were immunized with ovalbumin in aluminum hydroxide gel and PHA was injected 1 or 2 days before immunization. Castrated mice were also immunized and received PHA on day -2. The results show that the IgE response is lower in the male than in the female group. An opposite class specific modulation depending on the timing of the PHA inoculation is observed between males and females. This effect is not observed in castrated mice. IgM and/or IgG production is neither modified by sex nor by the mitogen treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Cross-reactivity00:42

Cross-reactivity

Overview
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...