Retinoid-induced modulation of immunoglobulin M secretion by bovine mononuclear leukocytes in vitro

B J Nonnecke1, T A Reinhardt, S T Franklin

  • 1USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA 50010-0070.

Insights

Retinoids like retinol and retinoic acid influence IgM secretion in bovine immune cells. Specific isomers and concentrations differentially affect pokeweed mitogen-stimulated leukocytes, highlighting their immunomodulatory roles.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Retinoids, including retinol and retinoic acid, are crucial for immune function.
  • Understanding their specific effects on B-cell antibody production is important for immunology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of trans and cis isomers of retinol and retinoic acid on immunoglobulin M (IgM) secretion.
  • To determine how different concentrations of these retinoids impact bovine peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Bovine peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes were cultured and stimulated with pokeweed mitogen.
  • Cultures were supplemented with various concentrations (10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁶ M) of retinol and retinoic acid isomers.
  • Polyclonal IgM concentrations in culture supernatants were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 14 days.

Main Results:

  • Pokeweed mitogen stimulation significantly increased IgM secretion compared to unstimulated cultures.
  • Retinoid supplementation did not alter basal IgM secretion in unstimulated cells.
  • All-trans-retinoic acid enhanced IgM secretion at low concentrations (10⁻¹⁰ M) and inhibited it at high concentrations (10⁻⁶ M).
  • Other retinoids enhanced IgM secretion at certain concentrations, with retinoic acid isomers showing effects at lower concentrations than retinol isomers.

Conclusions:

  • Retinol and retinoic acid isomers modulate polyclonal IgM secretion by mitogen-stimulated bovine mononuclear leukocytes.
  • The effects are concentration-dependent and isomer-specific.
  • Further research is needed to identify affected leukocyte subsets and the role of trans-retinoic acid as a metabolite.

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