Changes in lymphocyte blastogenic response of mares during the perinatal period.

The research article studies how the reproductive cycle affects the ability of a mare’s immune cells to proliferate. The findings showed that the lymphocytes’ proliferative capabilities reduced during late-term pregnancy, was lowest at the time of giving birth, and increased gradually afterward.

Methodology

• The researchers used an assay based on fluorescence to monitor the proliferation (process of cell division to increase in number which is also termed as blastogenesis) of a mare’s white blood cells (specifically lymphocytes).
• The optimal conditions for observing this cell growth involved certain concentrations of stimulators, namely phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). These conditions also included a certain concentration of lymphocytes and a set time for incubation in a specific medium mixed with horse serum.

Control Group and Observations

• In healthy non-pregnant mares, the researchers found that the average stimulation index (a measure of the extent of cell division or proliferation in response to the stimuli provided) was specific values for PHA, Con A, and PWM.
• These values served as a benchmark against which the researchers compared the responses during different phases of the perinatal period (the period shortly before, during, and after birth).

Results

• The researchers observed this cell growth response in twenty mares at various stages of the perinatal period.
• They found that the lymphocytes’ proliferation capacity decreased gradually as the mares approached childbirth.
• At the time of giving birth, this response was the lowest but gradually started to increase afterward, moving back towards levels observed in non-pregnant mares.

Implication

• This study provides an understanding of how the processes of pregnancy and childbirth can affect the immune response in mares, which could be useful in managing their health care during these critical periods.