Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Castration alters peripheral immune function in normal male mice

S M Viselli1, S Stanziale, K Shults

  • 1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.

Immunology
|February 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Androgen deficiency in male mice leads to fewer mature T cells but increased production of certain immune signaling molecules and autoreactive antibodies. This suggests altered immune cell function and potential B-cell dysregulation.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Ionospheric GNSS Imagery of Seismic Source: Possibilities, Difficulties, and Challenges.

Journal of geophysical research. Space physics·2019
Same author

Repository corticotrophin injection exerts direct acute effects on human B cell gene expression distinct from the actions of glucocorticoids.

Clinical and experimental immunology·2017
Same author

Shorter sleep duration is associated with higher energy intake and an increase in BMI z-score in young children predisposed to overweight.

International journal of obesity (2005)·2017
Same author

Expression of long non-coding RNAs in autoimmunity and linkage to enhancer function and autoimmune disease risk genetic variants.

Journal of autoimmunity·2017
Same author

Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in relation to changes in body fatness over 6 and 12 years among 9-year-old children: the European Youth Heart Study.

European journal of clinical nutrition·2013
Same author

No dose-dependent increase in fracture risk after long-term exposure to high doses of retinol or beta-carotene.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA·2012

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Sexual dimorphism in immune responses is recognized but not fully understood.
  • The physiological basis for sex differences in immunity, particularly the role of androgens, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of androgen deficiency on the peripheral immune system in male mice.
  • To characterize changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and immune mediator production following castration.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of intact male mice with mice castrated 3-4 months prior.
  • Phenotypic analysis of thymocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations using dual-colour flow cytometry.
  • Measurement of in vitro cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma) and antibody production by spleen cells.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Castration led to thymic hypertrophy and splenic enlargement, primarily due to B-cell expansion.
  • Castrated mice had fewer mature T cells but spleen cells produced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma.
  • While total antibody production was unchanged, spleen cells from castrated mice showed increased production of autoreactive antibodies (rheumatoid factor, anti-thyroglobulin).

Conclusions:

  • Androgen deprivation results in a relative decrease in mature peripheral T cells.
  • Remaining T cells in castrated mice exhibit enhanced functional characteristics, suggesting increased activation.
  • Altered T-cell regulation may contribute to observed dysregulation in the B-cell compartment and increased autoreactivity.