The effect of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant mares with 1,3/1,6 glucan and levamisole on the immunoglobulins levels in colostrum, selected indices of nonspecific cellular and humoral immunity in foals in neonatal and postnatal period.

The article focuses on a study conducted to assess the impact of two substances, levamisole and 1,3/1,6 glucan, when administered to pregnant horses, on the non-specific immunity attributes of the foals. The findings suggest that these substances enhance the overall immunity of the newborn animals.

Study Design and Setup

• The scientists carried out their experiment on a total of 18 mares, classified equally into three distinct experimental groups alongside their offspring.
• All participating animals were mature, crossbred from Polish, thoroughbred, and Hanoverian lines, ranging from 4 to 9 years old in age, weighing between 400 to 500 kilograms, and sourced from four varied farms.
• The conditions under which all animals were kept were the same, taking into account variables like hygiene and nourishment. The mares were assigned randomly across the groups, and none of them had been vaccinated in the past.

Injections and Parameters Assessed

• Injections of levamisole and 1,3/1,6 glucan were administered to mares in groups I and II respectively.
• The mares received the injections in a specific schedule, starting 4-6 weeks before the anticipated date of parturition. Levamisole injections were given thrice at weekly intervals at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. In contrast, 1,3/1,6 glucan was also delivered as per the identical schedule but at a dose of 0.19 mg/kg of body weight. Group III mares were not administered any injections and served as controls.
• Blood samples were collected from the foals at numerous points, starting right before their first exposure to colostrum, then at the 18th, 36th, hours following the intake of colostrum, and subsequently on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th, 42nd, 49th, and 56th days after birth.
• Various elements in the blood, including levels of specific antibodies (IgG, IgG(T), IgM, IgA), total protein, and the gamma-globulin fraction, along with certain indices regarding cellular immunity such as NBT reduction by PMNs, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and intracellular killing were determined and compared.
• The first dose of colostrum was examined for specific gravity, total protein, gamma-globulin complex, lysozyme activity, and the levels of antibodies (IgG, IgG(T), IgM, IgA).

Results of the Study

• The result of the study indicated that mares treated with levamisole and 1,3/1,6 glucan had higher quantities of IgG and IgG(T) in their colostrum compared to non-treated mares.
• On the same note, foals born from mares treated with these substances seemed to have an enhanced level of immunity, with no observed abnormalities during the neonatal and postnatal periods.