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Published on: June 29, 2016
Flow cytometric analysis of goat milk lymphocytes: subpopulations and adhesion molecule expression
F Guiguen1, T Greenland, E Pardo
1Laboratoire Associé de Recherches sur les Lentivirus chez les Petits Ruminants, INRA, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
Insights
Goat milk contains specific immune cells, primarily CD8+ T cells, with unique characteristics compared to blood. This study characterizes these milk lymphocytes for better understanding of mammary gland immunity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Goat Milk Research
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Mammary gland immune cell populations are crucial for udder health and milk quality.
- Understanding the specific types and functions of lymphocytes in goat milk is essential for veterinary diagnostics and immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the immune cell populations, specifically lymphocytes, present in the milk of healthy goats.
- To compare the phenotype of milk lymphocytes with those found in the blood of the same animals.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was employed for cell analysis.
- Ethidium monoazide was used for irreversible staining to eliminate signals from debris and dead cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies against ovine integrins were utilized to identify cell surface markers.
Main Results:
- Goat milk lymphocytes are predominantly CD8+ T cells (61%), with a smaller proportion of CD4+ T cells (17%).
- A significant inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio was observed in milk compared to blood.
- Fewer milk lymphocytes expressed CD4SR or L-selectin, and B cells constituted less than 4% of the population.
Conclusions:
- Goat milk harbors a distinct lymphocyte population, dominated by CD8+ T cells, with altered expression of certain surface markers compared to blood.
- These findings provide valuable insights into the immune surveillance mechanisms within the goat mammary gland.
Abstract:
Cytometric analysis of cells in milk from healthy goats was achieved after elimination of interfering signals from debris and dead cells by irreversible staining with ethidium monoazide. Some 61% of milk lymphocytes are CD8+ T cells, 17% are CD4+ and about 20% of these express class II antigens: less than 4% are B cells. Compared with blood, the CD4/CD8 ratio was inverted and fewer lymphocytes expressed CD4SR or L-selectin. Monoclonal antibodies to ovine integrins recognised the caprine alpha 4 chain on most lymphocytes from milk or blood, while beta 1 was more frequent on milk cells.
