Abstract
The effects of age on the number of lymphoid cells producing specific IgM antibody (AFC) and the level of specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibody after lung immunization were evaluated in groups of dogs 2 through 16 yr of age. A trend for lowered antibody responses in blood was observed with increasing age, and significantly lowered antibody responses were measured in lavage fluids from immunized lung lobes of older dogs. Statistical evaluations indicated that the lowered antibody responses in the lung were due in part to the reduced AFC and level of specific antibody in the blood. However, a less intense inflammatory response to antigen instilled into the lungs of older dogs also significantly contributed to the lowered antibody responses in their lungs. Additional studies are needed to determine if the loss of inflammation and antibody responses in the lungs of aged dogs increases their susceptibility to pulmonary infections.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.