Follicle Cell Proliferation Research Articles

Implication of SLIT3-ROBO1/ROBO2 in granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection in the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary.

The SLIT/ROBO pathway has been implicated in prehierarchical follicular development of hen ovary by an intrafollicular autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. SLIT3, one of the key components of the SLIT/ROBO family, serves as a ligand that potentially interacts with the four receptors, ROBO1, ROBO2, ROBO3 and ROBO4. But the exact roles and regulatory mechanism of SLIT3 in chicken ovarian follicle development remain largely unclear. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential roles and molecular regulation of SLIT3 in granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection within the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary. We found that SLIT3 interacts physically with the four ROBO receptors, but the expression of the ROBO1 and ROBO2 genes are more susceptible to the regulation of SLIT3 ligand than that of the ROBO3 and ROBO4 genes. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of SLIT3 in the follicular GCs leads to a significant increase in cell proliferation. Conversely, overexpression of SLIT3 results in a remarkable reduction in GC proliferation. Furthermore, the overexpressed SLIT3 has notably decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR), growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and cytochrome P450 11A1 (CYP11A1) in the GCs. These results indicated that SLIT3 may play an inhibitory effect on GC proliferation, differentiation and follicle selection, and these suppressive actions of SLIT3 in the GC proliferation can be prohibited by the siRNA-mediated knockdown of ROBO1 and ROBO2 receptors. The current data provide a basis for further investigation of molecular mechanisms of SLIT3-ROBO1/2 pathway in controlling the prehierarchical follicle development of the hen ovary.

Functional Analysis of Nuclear Estrogen Receptors in Zebrafish Reproduction by Genome Editing Approach.

Estrogens signal through both nuclear and membrane receptors with most reported effects being mediated via the nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs). Although much work has been reported on nERs in the zebrafish, there is a lack of direct genetic evidence for their functional roles and importance in reproduction. To address this issue, we undertook this study to disrupt all three nERs in the zebrafish, namely esr1 (ERα), esr2a (ERβII), and esr2b (ERβI), by the genome-editing technology clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and its associated nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9). Using this loss-of-function genetic approach, we successfully created three mutant zebrafish lines with each nER knocked out. In addition, we also generated all possible double and triple knockouts of the three nERs. The phenotypes of these mutants in reproduction were analyzed in all single, double, and triple nER knockouts in both females and males. Surprisingly, all three single nER mutant fish lines display normal reproductive development and function in both females and males, suggesting functional redundancy among these nERs. Further analysis of double and triple knockouts showed that nERs, especially Esr2a and Esr2b, were essential for female reproduction, and loss of these two nERs led to an arrest of folliculogenesis at previtellogenic stage II followed by sex reversal from female to male. In addition, the current study also revealed a unique role for Esr2a in follicle cell proliferation and transdifferentiation, follicle growth, and chorion formation. Taken together, this study provides the most comprehensive genetic analysis for differential functions of esr1, esr2a, and esr2b in fish reproduction.

Cell proliferation in ovarian follicles from Bos taurus indicus females with different antral follicle count

Cell proliferation in ovarian follicles from Bos taurus indicus females with different antral follicle count

Regulation of Injury-Induced Ovarian Regeneration by Activation of Oogonial Stem Cells.

Some animals have the ability to generate large numbers of oocytes throughout life. This raises the question whether persistent adult germline stem cell populations drive continuous oogenesis and whether they are capable of mounting a regenerative response after injury. Here we demonstrate the presence of adult oogonial stem cells (OSCs) in the adult axolotl salamander ovary and show that ovarian injury induces OSC activation and functional regeneration of the ovaries to reproductive capability. Cells that have morphological similarities to germ cells were identified in the developing and adult ovaries via histological analysis. Genes involved in germ cell maintenance including Vasa, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Bmp15, Piwil1, Piwil2, Dazl, and Lhx8 were expressed in the presumptive OSCs. Colocalization of Vasa protein with H3 mitotic marker showed that both oogonial and spermatogonial adult stem cells were mitotically active. Providing evidence of stemness and viability of adult OSCs, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) adult OSCs grafted into white juvenile host gonads gave rise to EGFP OSCs, and oocytes. Last, the axolotl ovaries completely regenerated after partial ovariectomy injury. During regeneration, OSC activation resulted in rapid differentiation into new oocytes, which was demonstrated by Vasa+ /BrdU+ coexpression. Furthermore, follicle cell proliferation promoted follicle maturation during ovarian regeneration. Overall, these results show that adult oogenesis occurs via proliferation of endogenous OSCs in a tetrapod and mediates ovarian regeneration. This study lays the foundations to elucidate mechanisms of ovarian regeneration that will assist regenerative medicine in treating premature ovarian failure and reduced fertility. Stem Cells 2017;35:236-247.

AMP-activated protein kinase has diet-dependent and -independent roles in Drosophila oogenesis

Multiple aspects of organismal physiology influence the number and activity of stem cells and their progeny, including nutritional status. Previous studies demonstrated that Drosophila germline stem cells (GSCs), follicle stem cells (FSCs), and their progeny sense and respond to diet via complex mechanisms involving many systemic and local signals. AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, is a highly conserved regulator of energy homeostasis known to be activated under low cellular energy conditions; however, its role in the ovarian response to diet has not been investigated. Here, we describe nutrient-dependent and -independent requirements for AMPK in Drosophila oogenesis. We found that AMPK is cell autonomously required for the slow down in GSC and follicle cell proliferation that occurs on a poor diet. Similarly, AMPK activity is necessary in the germline for the degeneration of vitellogenic stages in response to nutrient deprivation. In contrast, AMPK activity is not required within the germline to modulate its growth. Instead, AMPK acts in follicle cells to negatively regulate their growth and proliferation, thereby indirectly limiting the size of the underlying germline cyst within developing follicles. Paradoxically, AMPK is required for GSC maintenance in well-fed flies (when AMPK activity is presumably at its lowest), suggesting potentially important roles for basal AMPK activity in specific cell types. Finally, we identified a nutrient-independent, developmental role for AMPK in cyst encapsulation by follicle cells. These results uncover specific AMPK requirements in multiple cell types in the ovary and suggest that AMPK can function outside of its canonical nutrient-sensing role in specific developmental contexts.

Partial Functional Diversification of Drosophila melanogaster Septin Genes Sep2 and Sep5.

The septin family of hetero-oligomeric complex-forming proteins can be divided into subgroups, and subgroup members are interchangeable at specific positions in the septin complex. Drosophila melanogaster has five septin genes, including the two SEPT6 subgroup members Sep2 and Sep5. We previously found that Sep2 has a unique function in oogenesis, which is not performed by Sep5. Here, we find that Sep2 is uniquely required for follicle cell encapsulation of female germline cysts, and that Sep2 and Sep5 are redundant for follicle cell proliferation. The five D. melanogaster septins localize similarly in oogenesis, including as rings flanking the germline ring canals. Pnut fails to localize in Sep5; Sep2 double mutant follicle cells, indicating that septin complexes fail to form in the absence of both Sep2 and Sep5. We also find that mutations in septins enhance the mutant phenotype of bazooka, a key component in the establishment of cell polarity, suggesting a link between septin function and cell polarity. Overall, this work suggests that Sep5 has undergone partial loss of ancestral protein function, and demonstrates redundant and unique functions of septins.

Hot water extract of oriental melon leaf promotes hair growth and prolongs anagen hair cycle: In vivo and in vitro evaluation.

Effects of hot water extracts of oriental melon leaves (OML) on promotion of hair growth were investigated. Topical OML extract administration for hair regeneration was investigated using an in vivo model with C57BL/6 mice. Effects of OML extracts on the human hair growth were investigated using a hair follicle organ culture. OML extracts induced a shortened telogen to anagen conversion and promoted hair growth in the C57BL/6 mouse model. Culture of human hair follicles in the presence of OML extracts for 8 days promoted hair growth and prolonged the anagen duration due to induction of hair follicle cell proliferation in the bulb region. OML extracts exert a hair growth promotion effect and, therefore, can be used as a therapeutic agent for prevention of hair loss.

Effects of a Closed Space Environment on Gene Expression in Hair Follicles of Astronauts in the International Space Station.

Adaptation to the space environment can sometimes pose physiological problems to International Space Station (ISS) astronauts after their return to earth. Therefore, it is important to develop healthcare technologies for astronauts. In this study, we examined the feasibility of using hair follicles, a readily obtained sample, to assess gene expression changes in response to spaceflight adaptation. In order to investigate the gene expression changes in human hair follicles during spaceflight, hair follicles of 10 astronauts were analyzed by microarray and real time qPCR analyses. We found that spaceflight alters human hair follicle gene expression. The degree of changes in gene expression was found to vary among individuals. In some astronauts, genes related to hair growth such as FGF18, ANGPTL7 and COMP were upregulated during flight, suggesting that spaceflight inhibits cell proliferation in hair follicles.

Regulations of Reversal of Senescence by PKC Isozymes in Response to 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate via Nuclear Translocation of pErk1/2.

The mechanism by which 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) bypasses cellular senescence was investigated using human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cell replicative senescence as a model. Upon TPA treatment, protein kinase C (PKC) α and PKCβ1 exerted differential effects on the nuclear translocation of cytoplasmic pErk1/2, a protein which maintains senescence. PKCα accompanied pErk1/2 to the nucleus after freeing it from PEA-15pS104 via PKCβ1 and then was rapidly ubiquitinated and degraded within the nucleus. Mitogen-activated protein kinase docking motif and kinase activity of PKCα were both required for pErk1/2 transport to the nucleus. Repetitive exposure of mouse skin to TPA downregulated PKCα expression and increased epidermal and hair follicle cell proliferation. Thus, PKCα downregulation is accompanied by in vivo cell proliferation, as evidenced in 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-TPA-mediated carcinogenesis. The ability of TPA to reverse senescence was further demonstrated in old HDF cells using RNA-sequencing analyses in which TPA-induced nuclear PKCα degradation freed nuclear pErk1/2 to induce cell proliferation and facilitated the recovery of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Our data indicate that TPA-induced senescence reversal and carcinogenesis promotion share the same molecular pathway. Loss of PKCα expression following TPA treatment reduces pErk1/2-activated SP1 biding to the p21WAF1 gene promoter, thus preventing senescence onset and overcoming G1/S cell cycle arrest in senescent cells.

MicroRNA-148b promotes proliferation of hair follicle cells by targeting NFAT5

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, are involved in many aspects of biological processes. Previous studies have indicated that miRNAs are important for hair follicle development and growth. In our study, we found by qRT-PCR that miR-148b was significantly upregulated in sheep wool follicle bulbs in anagen phase compared with the telogen phase of the hair follicle cycle. Overexpression of miR-148b promoted proliferation of both HHDPC and HHGMC. By using the TOPFlash system we demonstrated that miR-148b could activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway and b-catenin, cycD, c-jun and PPARD were consistently upregulated accordingly. Furthermore, transcript factor nuclear factor of activated T cells type 5 (NFAT5) and Wnt10b were predicted to be the target of miR-148b and this was substantiated using a Dual-Luciferase reporter system. Subsequently NFAT5 was further identified as the target of miR-148b using western blotting. These results were considered to indicate that miR-148b could activate the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway by targeting NFAT5 to promote the proliferation of human hair follicle cells.

Establishment of an in vitro culture model of single human hair follicle

To establish an in vitro culture model of single human hair follicle, and observe their morphological and histological changes. Human hair follicles were isolated from the volunteer patients. After dissecting follicles into single, follicles in growth phase were cultured in Williams E without any serum. This experiment included 3 groups: single follicle without sebaceous gland and other surrounding tissue (control group); single follicle with sebaceous gland and without the other surrounding tissue( experiment group A); single follicles with sebaceous gland and the other surrounding tissue (experiment group B). The survival rate, survival time, growth rate, multiplication capacity and apoptosis of cultured follicles and their morphological and histological changes were observed sequentially. The hair follicles in experiment groups showed a better viability and a higher growth rate than those in control group. And the follicles in group B could keep growing for more than 25 days, which was longer than those in group A. Moreover, the sebaceous gland and the other surrounding tissue in group B showed great induction effect on follicle-cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. The in vitro culture model of signal human hair follicles (single follicles including epidermis, sebaceous gland and the other surrounding tissue) had optimized internal environment which is similar to in vivo internal environment.

Morphologic characterization of isolated bovine early preantral follicles during short-term individual in vitro culture

To provide new insights in the molecular mechanism controlling preantral follicular development and to unravel the needs to support in vitro follicular development of early-stage preantral follicles (PAFs), there is a need for alternative in vitro bovine follicle culture methods. In this study, we aimed to characterize follicular dynamics using an IVC system of isolated and individually cultured bovine early PAFs during 10 days to generate individual follicle follow-up data. Preantral follicles (<50 μm) were isolated from slaughterhouse ovaries and cultured individually for 10 days. Individual follicle morphology, growth, survival, quality, and cell proliferation were evaluated in time by combining noninvasive and invasive assessment methods. The PAFs were light microscopically evaluated during culture to assess follicular dynamics, stained with neutral red to determine follicle viability, stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling to evaluate cell proliferation and follicle quality, and processed for histologic evaluation to assess follicle morphology. On the basis of their morphology, follicles were subdivided in three categories, with category 1 follicles showing the best morphologic features. On Day 0, only category 1 follicles were selected, but follicle categories were reassigned on evaluation Days 1, 2, 4, 7, or 10. Although 67% of the follicles survived 10 days of IVC, the number of follicles exhibiting a normal morphology decreased significantly from Day 7 onward and the apoptotic index increased significantly from Day 10. Both category 1 and 2 follicles showed a significant increase in follicular diameter (Day 10: 21.80 ± 0.86 and 11.82 ± 0.80, respectively). This increase in follicular diameter showed to be correlated with an increase in the total cell number. In conclusion, this culture system showed to support follicular development until Day 10, although the proportion of follicles showing normal morphologic features and the follicular quality decreased after 10 days of IVC. Follicles maintaining their category 1 morphologic features over time seem to be of a better quality and show a higher developmental competence as compared to category 2 and 3 follicles.

Impaired insulin signaling pathway in ovarian follicles of cows with cystic ovarian disease

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in dairy cattle. Follicular cell steroidogenesis and proliferation in ovulatory follicles is stimulated by hormones such as insulin and its necessary post-receptor response. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of insulin receptor (IR), IR substrate-1 (IRS1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), key intermediates in the insulin pathway, in control cows and cows with spontaneous COD and ACTH-induced COD. IR and IRS1 mRNA levels were greater in granulosa cells and lower in follicular cysts than in control tertiary follicles. PI3K mRNA levels were similar in all follicles evaluated, whereas the expression of IR, IRS1 and PI3K was similar in theca cells. Protein expression of IR was higher in control tertiary follicles than in the same structures in animals with COD and with cysts. IRS1 and PI3K protein expression showed the same pattern in tertiary and cystic follicles. However, the protein expression of subunit alpha p85 of PI3K was greater in theca cells from tertiary follicles than in cystic follicles. These results provide new insights into the insulin response in cows with COD. The lower gene and protein expressions of some insulin downstream effectors at an early stage of the signaling pathway could negatively influence the functionality of ovaries and contribute to follicle persistence.

The Effect of Parathyroid Hormones on Hair Follicle Physiology: Implications for Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) influence hair follicles through paracrine and intracrine routes. There is significant evidence that PTH and PTHrP influence the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle cells. The PTH/PTHrP receptor signalling plays an important role in the hair follicle cycle and may induce premature catagen-telogen transition. Transgenic mice with an overexpression or blockade (PTH/PTHrP receptor knockout mice) of PTHrP activity revealed impaired or increased hair growth, respectively. Some findings also suggest that PTHrP may additionally influence the hair cycle by inhibiting angiogenesis. Antagonists of the PTH/PTHrP receptor have been shown to stimulate proliferation of hair follicle cells and hair growth. A hair-stimulating effect of a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist applied topically to the skin has been observed in hairless mice, as well as in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. These data indicate that the PTH/PTHrP receptor may serve as a potential target for new (topical) hair growth-stimulating drugs, especially for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Exogenous IGF-1 promotes hair growth by stimulating cell proliferation and down regulating TGF-β1 in C57BL/6 mice in vivo

ObjectiveInsulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) increases the growth of cultured hair follicles and plays a role in regulating hair migration during the development of hair follicles in transgenic mice. However, the exogenous effect of IGF-1 on hair growth in wild-type mice has not been reported. In the present study, we examined whether IGF-1 was an important regulator of hair follicle growth in wide-type mice in vivo. DesignC57BL/6 mice were injected with different concentrations of IGF-1 on dorsal skin. The treated tissues were analyzed by immunoassay methods for TGF-β1 and BrdU. ResultsLocal injection of IGF-1 increased hair follicle number and prolonged the growing phase during the transition from anagen to telogen. Meanwhile, immunology analyses revealed that IGF-1 also stimulated the proliferation of follicle cells in anagen of the matrix and down regulated TGF-β1 expression in hair follicles. ConclusionsThese observations suggest that IGF-1 is an effective stimulator of hair follicle development in wide-type mice in vivo and may be a promising drug candidate for baldness therapy.

Epidermal Stem Cells Cultured on Collagen-Modified Chitin Membrane Induce In Situ Tissue Regeneration of Full-Thickness Skin Defects in Mice

A Large scale of full-thickness skin defects is lack of auto-grafts and which requires the engineered skin substitutes for repair and regeneration. One major obstacle in skin tissue engineering is to expand epidermal stem cells (ESCs) and develop functional substitutes. The other one is the scaffold of the ESCs. Here, we applied type I collagen-modified chitin membrane to form collagen-chitin biomimetic membrane (C-CBM), which has been proved to have a great biocompatibility and degraded totally when it was subcutaneously transplanted into rat skin. ESCs were cultured, and the resulting biofilm was used to cover full-thickness skin defects in nude mice. The transplantation of ESCs- collagen- chitn biomimetic membrane (ESCs-C-CBM) has achieved in situ skin regeneration. In nude mice, compared to controls with collagen-chitin biomimetic membrane (C-CBM) only, the ESCs-C-CBM group had significantly more dermatoglyphs on the skin wound 10 w after surgery, and the new skin was relatively thick, red and elastic. In vivo experiments showed obvious hair follicle cell proliferation in the full-thickness skin defect. Stem cell markers examination showed active ESCs in repair and regeneration of skin. The results indicate that the collagen-modified chitin membrane carry with ESCs has successfully regenerated the whole skin with all the skin appendages and function.

Aqueous Extract of Red Deer Antler Promotes Hair Growth by Regulating the Hair Cycle and Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles

Deer antlers are the only mammalian appendage capable of regeneration. We aimed to investigate the effect of red deer antler extract in regulating hair growth, using a mouse model. The backs of male mice were shaved at eight weeks of age. Crude aqueous extracts of deer antler were prepared at either 4°C or 100°C and injected subcutaneously to two separate groups of mice (n = 9) at 1 mL/day for 10 consecutive days, with water as a vehicle control group. The mice skin quantitative hair growth parameters were measured and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine was used to identify label-retaining cells. We found that, in both the 4°C and the 100°C deer antler aqueous extract-injection groups, the anagen phase was extended, while the number of BrdU-incorporated cells was dramatically increased. These results indicate that deer antler aqueous extract promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase and regulating cell proliferation in the hair follicle region.

Action Mechanism of Chamaecyparis obtusa Oil on Hair Growth

This study was carried out to examine the action mechanism of Chamaecyparis obtusa oil (CO) on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. For alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities in the skin tissue, at week 4, the 3% minoxidil (MXD) and 3% CO treatment groups showed an ALP activity that was significantly higher by 85% (p < 0.001) and 48% (p < 0.05) and an γ-GT activity that was significantly higher by 294% (p < 0.01) and 254% (p < 0.05) respectively, as compared to the saline (SA) treatment group. For insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression in the skin tissue, at week 4, the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly higher expression by 204% (p < 0.05) and 426% (p < 0.01) respectively, as compared to the SA group. At week 4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly higher expression by 74% and 96% (p < 0.05) respectively, however, epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly lower expression by 66% and 61% (p < 0.05) respectively, as compared to the SA group. Stem cell factor (SCF) expression in the MXD and CO groups was observed by immunohistochemistry as significant in a part of the bulge around the hair follicle and in a part of the basal layer of the epidermis. Taking all the results together, on the basis of effects on ALP and γ-GT activity, and the expression of IGF-1, VEGF and SCF, which are related to the promotion of hair growth, it can be concluded that CO induced a proliferation and division of hair follicle cells and maintained the anagen phase. Because EGF expression was decreased significantly, CO could delay the transition to the catagen phase.

Notch1 Signaling Regulates the Proliferation and Self-Renewal of Human Dental Follicle Cells by Modulating the G1/S Phase Transition and Telomerase Activity

Multipotent human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) have been intensively studied in periodontal regeneration research, yet the role of Notch1 in HDFCs has not been fully understood. The aim of the current study is to explore the role of Notch1 signaling in HDFCs self-renewal and proliferation. HDFCs were obtained from the extracted wisdom teeth from adolescent patients. Regulation of Notch1 signaling in the HDFCs was achieved by overexpressing the exogenous intracellular domain of Notch1 (ICN1) or silencing Notch1 by shRNA. The regulatory effects of Notch1 on HDFC proliferation, cell cycle distribution and the expression of cell cycle regulators were investigated through various molecular technologies, including plasmid construction, retrovirus preparation and infection, qRT-PCR, western blot, RBP-Jk luciferase reporter and cell proliferation assay. Our data clearly show that constitutively activation of Notch1 stimulates the HDFCs proliferation while inhibition of the Notch1 suppresses their proliferation in vitro. In addition, the HDFCs proliferation is associated with the increased expression of cell cycle regulators, e.g. cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin D3, cyclin E1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and SKP2 and the decreased expression of p27 kip1. Moreover, our data show that the G1/S phase transition (indicating proliferation) and telomerase activity (indicating self-renewal) can be enhanced by overexpression of ICN1 but halted by inhibition of Notch1. Together, the current study provides evidence for the first time that Notch1 signaling regulates the proliferation and self-renewal capacity of HDFCs through modulation of the G1/S phase transition and the telomerase activity.

Egg Injection of Ascorbic Acid Stimulates Leucocytosis and Cell Proliferation in the Bursa of Fabricius

Broiler chicks with high immune defense potential at hatching are of great value to the poultry industry. Heat stress can have immunosuppressive or immune stimulatory effect and Ascorbic Acid (AA) acts as anti-stressor and has important physiological functions in bird immune system development. This study aimed to assess the effect of intra egg injection of AA before incubation on development of the bursa of Fabricius and leukocyte parameters in chicks from eggs incubated at thermoneutral and hot temperatures. Fertile eggs from broiler breeder chickens were used in a 5 x 2 factorial design with 5 treatments (non- injected and thus non-perforated and injected with 0, 2, 4 and 6% AA in 100 µL of water) and 2 incubation temperatures (thermoneutral: 37.5°C and hot: 39.0°C). The total leukocyte count; percentages of thrombocytes, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and heterophils; weight; and bursal index remained unaffected by incubation temperature and AA dose. Bursal follicle area decreased in chicks from non-injected eggs when incubated at hot temperatures. With intra egg injection of 4 and 6% AA, bursal follicle size increased in eggs incubated at thermoneutral temperature and decreased at hot temperature compared to no AA injection. Cell proliferation in follicles increased by injecting 2% AA, whereas the percentage of lymphocytes increased by injecting 4 and 6% AA. The data show that AA acts as a dose- and temperature- dependent immunomodulator and that 4 and 6% AA doses stimulate egg bursal development and lymphocytosis. These findings suggest that intra egg injection of AA produces chicks with higher potential for immune defense against challenges in the field.