Lymphocyte subpopulations, null cells and MHC II positive cells in peripheral blood of goats at different ages

Influence of chronic caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection on the population of peripheral blood leukocytes

The influence of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) virus infection on the population of peripheral blood leukocytes in goats was evaluated. For this purpose two groups of adult dairy female goats were formed. The experimental group consisted of 17 goats, which had been naturally infected for many years. The control group comprised 29 non-infected goats, which originated from CAE-free herd. All goats were clinically healthy. Whole blood was collected and tested in hematological analyzer and light microscope to assess the total number of leukocytes and the percentage of four leukocyte populations--neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Then, flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies against several surface antigens (namely CD14, CD2, B-B2, CD4, CD8h, TCR-N6, WC1-N2 and WC1-N3) was performed to assess the proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations. Statistically significant differences (alpha < or = 0.01) were observed only in the subpopulations of T lymphocytes--percentage of all subpopulations were significantly higher in the group of seropositive goats. No statistically significant differences were revealed with respect to the total number of blood leukocytes, the average percentage of blood leukocyte populations and proportions of both T and B lymphocytes.

Effect of Baypamun on blood leucocytes in normal and dexamathasone treated goats

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Baypamun on selected lymphocyte subpopulations and granulocyte phagocytic activity mediated by lectin-like receptors in goats of normal immune status and in goats experimentally immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Eighteen goats in total were used. Blood samples were collected 24 h before immunomodulation and 5 and 10 days after immunomodulation. Animals in group I were immunostimulated with Baypamun for 2 days and immunosuppressed with Dexafort for the next 2 days. Animals in group II received Dexafort first and then Baypamun. The number of leucocytes in total and in subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. Application of Baypamun before (group I) or after (group II) immunosuppression caused significant (P < 0.001) and lasting changes in the percentage of CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Significant but transient changes were observed in CD19+ (B) and WC1-N2+ (null) cells. Results show that application of Baypamun to modulate non-specific defence is advisable following immunosuppression (group I). When Baypamun was applied after immunosuppression (group II), although there was no reaction during the initial phase, an increase in the activity of cells responsible for non-specific immunity was noticeable after 10 days.