Suppression of T-cell function in the pregnant ewe
J.F.T. Griffin and G.H. Davis
University of Otago, Dunedin and Invermay Agricultural Research
Centre, Mosgiel
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1985, 45: 59-62
Levels of cell mediated immunity (CJMI) were monitored in
pregnant and non-pregnant control ewes to assess the impact of
pregnancy on CMI in sheep. Pregnant plasma caused a significant
depression in lymphocyte culture reactivity with mitogens (PHA, Con A
and PWM) or with antigen (BSA) in primed animals. No defect in
transformation was evident in pregnant lymphocytes per se, which
gave normal transformation when cultured in control plasma. Delayed-
type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to specific antigens were
significantly lower during pregnancy in response to 1° (BSA) and 2°
(clostridial) sensitisation. The induction of the primary reaction was
significantly impaired. Secondary sensitisation induced normal levels
of reactivity, with the function, as measured by DTH, significantly
impaired throughout pregnancy but recovering post partum.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Ewe; pregnancy; cellular-immunity; suppression
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Last Updated 03-05-1997
