Immunophenotypical characterization in Andalusian horse: variations with age and gender.
Abstract: Assessment of lymphocyte subsets is an effective method for characterizing disorders such as leukemia, lymphomas, autoimmune and infectious diseases. In order to clinically interpret these parameters, normal reference values should be set, estimating age- and gender-related variations. This research aimed to: (1) characterize lymphocyte subpopulations in Andalusian horse, and (2) evaluate age and gender-related variations of lymphocyte subsets. Jugular blood samples were obtained from 159 animals, 77 males and 82 females, belonging to four age groups-1: 1-2 years (N=39; 21 males and 18 females), 2: 2-3 years (N=38; 16 males and 22 females), 3: 3-4 years (N=41; 19 males and 22 females) and 4: 4-7 years (N=41; 21 males and 20 females). T lymphocytes subsets were quantified by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD2, CD4 and CD8 cell markers. B and NK cell counts were estimated by using a mathematical formula. No variations were found in T, B lymphocytes and NK cells between males and females. Animals of group 1 and 2 had a higher number of CD2, T, CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes and NK cells than animals of groups 3 and 4. The percentage of CD2 in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 4. The percentage of T and CD4+ lymphocytes in the group 1 were significantly higher than groups 2 and 3, respectively. Whereas the percentage of B cells calculated by flow cytometry was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 4, the percentage of B cells calculated by a mathematical formula was higher in group 1. NK cells percentage was significantly lower in group 3 and 4 than in younger animals. In conclusion, in Andalusian horse, gender does not influence absolute numbers and percentages of T, B and NK. There is an age-related decline in absolute number of CD2, T, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and NK cells, with increasing percentage of CD2, T, CD4+ and B lymphocytes, and a decrease in NK with no differences in CD4/CD8 ratio. The decline of lymphocyte population numbers with age is a natural process in many animal species, and could be the origin for immune dysfunction observed in geriatric individuals.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2009-08-22 PubMed ID: 19735948DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.08.013Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the variations in lymphocyte subsets in the Andalusian horse, a specific breed in Spain, by taking into consideration factors like age and gender. The study doesn’t detect any gender-related influences but identifies an age-related decline in the absolute number of various types of lymphocytes.
Understanding the scope of the research
- Researchers center their study around lymphocyte subsets – primarily T cells, B cells, and NK cells, and their variations according to age and gender within Andalusian horses. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that has a crucial role in the immune response of animals.
- The study takes into account different stages of maturity in male and female horses, ranging from 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, to 4-7 years.
Analyzing lymphocyte subpopulations
- They collected blood samples from the jugular vein of 159 animals and used flow cytometry, a technique allowing for detailed analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of cells, to quantify different types of T lymphocytes including CD2, CD4 and CD8 markers.
- B and NK cell counts were estimated using mathematical calculations.
Results and Inferrences
- The study found that the levels of T lymphocytes (specifically CD2, CD4, and CD8), B lymphocytes, and NK cells were not affected by the gender of the horses.
- However, the younger horses (groups 1 and 2) showed higher numbers of these lymphocyte subsets when compared to the older groups (3 and 4).
- The study also noticed significant differences between various age groups in the percentages of CD2, T, CD4+, B lymphocytes and NK cells.
Conclusion and Implications
- The researchers concluded that, while gender doesn’t impact the numbers and percentages of T, B, and NK lymphocytes in Andalusian horses, age certainly does. There’s a systematic decline noticed in lymphocyte counts as the horses grow older.
- This natural decline in lymphocyte population with age can contribute to immune complications, especially in older animals. This study then solidifies the connection between age and immune response efficiency in animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Satué K, Hernández A, Lorente C, O'Connor JE.
(2009).
Immunophenotypical characterization in Andalusian horse: variations with age and gender.
Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 133(2-4), 219-227.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.08.013 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, Valencia, Spain. ksatue@uch.ceu.es
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Aging / immunology
- Animals
- B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
- CD4-CD8 Ratio
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Horses / immunology
- Immunophenotyping
- Killer Cells, Natural / classification
- Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
- Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
- Male
- Sex Characteristics
- Spain
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU. Effect of age, sex, physical activity and meteorological factors on haematological parameters of donkeys (Equus asinus). Comp Clin Path 2016;25(6):1265-1272.
- Satué K, La Fauci D, Medica P, Velasco-Martínez MG, Barbiera G, Fazio E. Involvement of Peripheral Serotonin in Blood Cells in Healthy Cyclical Mares of Different Ages. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 4;12(6).
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