Abstract
Methodology was established to study relative amounts of mononuclear white blood cell populations (small lymphocytes and monocytes) and lymphocyte functions at different seasons in European brown bear ( Ursus arctos arctos). May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining was used for morphological differentiation of mononuclear cell populations. Monocytic and T lymphocytic populations were identified using enzymatic ANAE (acid α-naphthyl acetate esterase) marker. T lymphocytes were also characterized by T-cell rosetting with sheep red blood cells (SRBC rosetting method). Lymphocyte functions were studied by measuring the proliferative reactivity of these cells in response to mitogenic (PHA) and antigenic (PPD) stimulus. Both the rosetting method and the ANAE marker were found suitable for identifying bear MNL populations as long as no mononuclear antibodies are available for these cells. However, the ANAE method was considered more convenient because it allows identification of a larger number of cell populations. The MGG staining was found useful as a standard method by which the successful staining of ANAE preparations could be controlled. The relative number of monocytes was found decreased during the denning period. No seasonal variations were observed in the relative number of small lymphocytes or in the ratio of T to B cells. T-cell reactivity against a mitogenic stimulus appeared steady all through the year, whereas proliferative response against antigen stimulation was found reduced during the February denning period and in March.
Published Version
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