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Characterization of turkey spermiophages with regard to traits common to macrophages
N Korn1, D A Barnes, C A Williams
1Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, South Carolina 29634-0361, USA.
Abstract:
Turkey peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and spermiophages (SMO) were assayed for characteristics of macrophages. The PEC elicited by i.p. injection of 3% Sephadex and SMO isolated from semen using Percoll were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 20% bovine calf serum (DMEM-20) for 24 h at 41 C in 5% CO2 to provide adherent cells for assays. Most PEC and SMO showed esterase activity (99.3 +/- 0.6 and 98.8 +/- 0.9%, respectively), and exhibited nonspecific phagocytosis of carbon (89.5 +/- 3.6 and 95.3 +/- 0.6%, respectively), zymosan (26.5 +/- 7.6 and 24.3 +/- 2.5%, respectively), bacteria (11.3 +/- 0.8 and 9.3 +/- 0.3%, respectively), and opsonized and nonopsonized SRBC. Maximum uptake of SRBC was seen by 2 h for PEC but not until 4 h for SMO. At time of maximum uptake, SRBC were noted in 35 to 40% of PEC but only in 15 to 20% of SMO. Turkey IgG-FITC bound to both PEC and SMO, but goat anti-turkey IgG-FITC bound only to SMO. Increased nitrite was found in turkey semen after 24 h storage, with highest levels in samples in which SMO were added. Nitrite production was demonstrated using adhered PEC, but SMO could not be tested due to low cell numbers. This research clearly identifies SMO as having macrophage-like activities. Accordingly, these cells may possess the ability to process and present antigen via histocompatibility receptors. Such activity could lead to immune directed responses, including antibody production or activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
Insights
Turkey spermiophages (SMO) exhibit macrophage-like activities, including phagocytosis and esterase activity. These cells may play a role in immune responses by processing and presenting antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Spermiophages (SMO) are cells found in semen, and their immune functions are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the macrophage-like characteristics of turkey peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and spermiophages (SMO).
- To determine the phagocytic capabilities and functional activities of SMO.
Main Methods:
- PEC and SMO were isolated and cultured.
- Cells were assayed for esterase activity, phagocytosis of carbon, zymosan, bacteria, and SRBC.
- Immunofluorescence was used to detect IgG binding.
Main Results:
- Both PEC and SMO demonstrated high esterase activity and non-specific phagocytosis.
- SMO showed a slower but significant uptake of SRBC compared to PEC.
- SMO bound turkey IgG, suggesting a role in antibody-mediated immunity.
Conclusions:
- Turkey SMO possess significant macrophage-like activities.
- SMO may be involved in antigen processing and presentation, potentially initiating immune responses.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the immunological role of SMO.