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Expression of TNF-alpha in pig fetal cells stimulated in vitro

I Trebichavský1, I Splíchal, R Barot-Ciorbaru

  • 1Department of Immunology and Gnotobiology, Nový Hrádek, Czech Republic.

Folia Microbiologica
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Pig fetuses exhibit high cytoplasmic expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) when exposed to bacterial mitogens. This immune response, involving lymphocytes and macrophages, is detectable early in gestation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Veterinary Science

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a key cytokine in immune responses.
  • Understanding fetal immune development is crucial for perinatal health.
  • Bacterial components can activate innate immune pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and cellular sources of TNF-alpha in fetal pigs.
  • To determine the developmental timeline of TNF-alpha production in response to bacterial stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro stimulation of fetal pig lymphocytes and macrophages with bacterial mitogens (lipopolysaccharide, Nocardia opaca delipidated cell mitogen).
  • Detection of TNF-alpha by immunofluorescence.
  • Analysis of immune cells from peripheral blood and thymic regions.

Main Results:

  • High cytoplasmic TNF-alpha expression was observed in fetal pig lymphocytes and macrophages upon in vitro stimulation.
  • TNF-alpha was detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes and thymic lymphocytes by 34 days of gestation.
  • Macrophages emerged as the primary producers of TNF-alpha during later stages of fetal development.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal pig immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, demonstrate a robust TNF-alpha response to bacterial mitogens early in gestation.
  • The cellular source of TNF-alpha production shifts from lymphocytes to macrophages as fetal development progresses.
  • These findings highlight the early maturation of the fetal immune system in pigs.

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