Development of the peripheral immune function in the chicken. A study on the bursa of Fabricius isolated from the rest of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
The bursa of Fabricius was surgically separated from the rest of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The antigens, sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and killed Brucella abortus organisms, were introduced into the bursal lumen, into the gut only, or allowed to get in contact with both (controls). The antibody titres in serum, the development of the bursal weight and the bursal histology were studied at various ages. The control birds responded vigorously to both antigens at between 2 and 8 weeks of age. At that age, the isolated bursa was capable of producing full anti-Brucella response, but not the anti-SRBC response, suggesting that SRBC need collaboration between both bursal and intestinal T and B cells. After 8 weeks, the cells in the gut alone were as potent as those in the gut and the bursa together at producing antibodies to SRBC. The bursal weight was significantly higher in the per bursam immunized chickens, indicating that continuous presence of antigens in the bursa may postpone its involution.
Naukkarinen
A
A
Department of Clinical Pathology, University Central Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
Hippeläinen
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000917:Antibody Formation; D002003:Brucella abortus / Q000276:immunology; D002060:Bursa of Fabricius / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D007114:Immunization; D007422:Intestines / Q000276:immunology*; D009929:Organ Size
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial