Normal serum and colostrum levels of IgG1, IgM and IgA in indigenous,exotic and crossbred cattle in Nigeria

Serum and colostrum levels of IgG₁, IgM and IgA were determined in the indigenous White Fulani and Ndama cattle, the exotic German Brown and crosses between the local Ndama and German Brown breeds kept under similar husbandry conditions in Nigeria. Of these breeds, adult Ndama had the highest plasma values of immunoglobulins (IgG₁ 26·4 ± 6·2 mg/ml, IgM 4·3 ± 1·2 mg/ml, IgA 0·97 ± 0·3 mg/ml) while the German Brown had the lowest (IgG₁ 24·6 ± 3·9 mg/ml, IgM 0·98 ± 0·3 mg/ml, IgA 0·51 ± 0·1 mg/ml). The German Brown X Ndama had similar plasma values to the German Brown parental stock except for IgM values which were higher (IgG₁ 22·8 ± 8·0 mg/ml, IgM 2·20 ± 0·2 mg/ml, IgA 0·45 ± 0·1 mg/ml).In general, the concentrations of serum and colostrum immunoglobulins in these cattle were higher than for similar values in cattle breeds reared under temperate conditions.     

Production and use of murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with bovine IgM isotype and IgG subisotypes (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b) in assessing immunoglobulin levels in serum of cattle

Utilizing in-vitro and in-vivo immunizations, murine monoclonal antibodies (Mab's) that are specific for bovine immunoglobulin (IG)--IgM isotype and IgG subisotypes (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b)--have been produced. These Mab's were used to estimate the quantities of these bovine Ig isotype and IgG subisotypes in the sera of 56 cows and 24 bulls. The cows were all approximately 18 months of age and the bulls ranged from 12 to 18 months in age. The cows and bull were all apparently healthy and unimmunized. The cows were not pregnant and were nulliparous. Some differences were observed between the serum levels of IgM (higher in cows) and IgG1 (higher in bulls). No ready explanation can be offered for these observed differences.     

IgG, IgM and IgA in the serum of cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Serum IgG, IgM and IgA antibody response in 20 cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and in 15 non-infected cattle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A strong IgG response was detected in 16 (80%) of the infected animals. Diagnostic levels of IgM were detectable in all of the infected animals as well as in 8 (53%) of the non-infected animals. Animals with paratuberculosis had a very weak specific serum IgA response and this appears to be of little value in detection of infection in these animals.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for sheep IgG subclasses IgG1 or IgG2

Monoclonal antibodies specific for sheep IgG subclasses IgG1 or IgG2 were produced using conventional cell fusion techniques. Monoclonal antibodies detected by preliminary screening assays were further characterized and their specificity verified by titration of ascites in radioimmunoassay or passive haemagglutination using pure sheep IgG1 or IgG2. Further evidence for the subclass specificity of the antibodies was obtained from immunoelectrophoretograms of sheep serum or purified proteins developed with monoclonal antibodies. Reaction of monoclonal antibodies with various IgG fragments showed that the determinants recognised were located on the pFc' portion of the heavy chain.     

Changes in the concentrations of serum IgG, IgA and IgM of sows throughout the reproductive cycle

The concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA in sera collected from 3855 sows (3208 pregnant and 647 lactating) at a single time point were determined. This experimental design allowed changes in serum immunoglobulin over the reproductive cycle to be studied without bias from seasonal influence. The concentrations of the three immunoglobulins changed independently during the reproductive cycle. Serum levels of IgM and IgG began a progressive postpartal decline during the 14th–17th week of gestation. At the onset of lactation serum IgG levels progressively increased while IgM levels continued to decline, the latter reaching their lowest level during the third week of lactation. In contrast to IgM and IgG, serum IgA levels increased 35% during weeks 14–17 of gestation and continued to increase throughout lactation, reaching their highest serum levels in the third week of lactation; the serum IgA concentration at this time was twice that observed during the first 13 weeks of gestation. Results of these studies allowed the reproductive cycle to be classified into four phases on the basis of serum immunoglobulin concentrations: (1) weeks 1–4 of gestation; (2) weeks 5–13 of gestation; (3) weeks 14–17 of gestation and (4) lactation.     

猪传染性胃肠炎血清特异性IgG、IgM 变化规律的研究

应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测猪传染性胃肠炎患猪不同时期血清中IgG、IgM的变化规律,结果显示:感染后15d特异性IgG与IgM的阳性率分别为34.55%(19/55)和78.18%(43/55);感染后45d特异性IgG与IgM的阳性率分别为92.73%(51/55)和47.27%(26/55)。通过检测,不仅可为临床鉴别猪流行性腹泻(PED)与猪轮状病毒感染提供实验依据,而且还表明猪感染TGEV后的体液免疫状况和抗体产生水平及其变化规律。     

IgG, IgM and IgA in the serum of cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Serum IgG, IgM and IgA antibody response in 20 cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and in 15 non-infected cattle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A strong IgG response was detected in 16 (80%) of the infected animals. Diagnostic levels of IgM were detectable in all of the infected animals as well as in 8 (53%) of the non-infected animals. Animals with paratuberculosis had a very weak specific serum IgA response and this appears to be of little value in detection of infection in these animals.     

Colostral and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in Standardbred mares and their foals at parturition

Immunoglobulin G, IgM, and IgA concentrations were measured in serum collected from 36 Standardbred mares within 12 hours of foaling, in colostrum collected within 6 hours of foaling, and in serum collected from foals 24 to 48 hours after birth. In serum collected from mares after parturition, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 2,463.9 +/- 1,337.3 mg/dl, 136.4 +/- 218 mg/dl, and 305.2 +/- 237.5 mg/dl, respectively. In serum from foals, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 1,953.3 +/- 1,635 mg/dl, 33.8 +/- 30.4 mg/dl, and 58.4 +/- 42.2 mg/dl, respectively. In colostrum, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 8,911.9 +/- 6,282.2 mg/dl, 957 +/- 1088.1 mg/dl, and 122.9 +/- 77.3 mg/dl, respectively. The IgG concentrations in foal serum were poorly correlated with IgG concentrations in colostrum (r = 0.462, P less than 0.01). Correlations of IgM or IgA concentrations in serum from foals with IgM or IgA concentrations in colostrum and correlations of IgG concentrations in serum from mares with those in colostrum were not significant (P less than 0.01). Of 36 foals, 1 (2.8%) had a serum IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl. Of 36 foals monitored for 4 months, 6 developed infectious respiratory tract disease requiring antimicrobial therapy at ages varying from 55 to 113 days; these infections were probably not related to failure or partial failure of passive transfer of antibody.     

An epidemiological study of factors affecting serum IgG levels in dairy calves

Serum IgG was used to evaluate the immune status of calves up to 180 days of age in 300 Norwegian dairy herds. Several factors were found to significantly affect the levels. Among these were geographical district, season, and factors related to housing and feeding.     

The purification and characterisation of cervine IgM and IgG

A procedure is described for the isolation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) from hyperimmune cervine serum. Hybrids of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wapiti (Cervus canadensis) were immunised with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). An immunoglobulin-containing fraction was precipitated from the hyperimmune serum using ammonium sulphate. The antigen-specific immunoglobulins were purified by KLH-conjugated sepharose affinity chromatography and further separated into IgM and IgG by gel-filtration chromatography. Purified immunoglobulin was analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. The molecular weights and isoelectric points of the composite chains of cervine IgG and IgM are presented.     

富锗种蛋对其初生雏鸡血清IgG,IgM水平的影响

通过给父母代种鸡饲喂四个不同梯度剂量的Ge-132,以获取富锗种蛋,分组孵化后,各取初生雏鸡100只定为试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组;另取普通种蛋孵出的初生雏鸡100只,设为第Ⅴ组,以作对照。各组再分成两个小组,每小组50只,其中Ⅰ-1、Ⅱ-1至Ⅴ-1小组按常规进行免疫处理;而Ⅰ-2、Ⅱ-2至Ⅴ-2小组则不进行免疫。于1、7、14、21、28日龄时分别采血、检测血清IgG、IgM含量,结果显示:1日龄雏鸡血清IgG、IgM含量Ⅰ～Ⅳ显高于第Ⅴ组,差异极显著(P<0.05);1日龄后,Ⅰ～Ⅳ组抗体水平逐渐下降,至7日龄时,降至低谷并接近对照组;其后,至28日龄间各组雏鸡血清IgG,IgM含量又呈上升趋势,而Ⅰ～Ⅳ组始终高于第Ⅴ组、但差异并不明显(P>0.05);各免疫处理小组与非免疫小组比较,二者间未见明显的、规律性差异。实验结果首次证实:富锗种蛋孵出的雏鸡,其血清IgG、IgM水平明显高于普通雏鸡,尤于1周龄阶段内更为显著。表明Ge-132能明显地提高初生雏鸡的抗体水平。     

The influence of age and breed on the concentrations of serum IgG, IgA and IgM in sows throughout the reproductive cycle

The influence of age and breed on the concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in the sera of sows throughout the reproductive cycle was investigated in 4137 sows which had had 0 – 20 gestations and representing three breeds: Swedish Landrace, German Landrace and L-12 (=Swedish Landrace × Large White). Data revealed an increase in total immunoglobulins (Ig), IgM and IgG serum levels with increasing gestation number; the latter contributed > 80% to total Ig levels. IgG was significantly increased up to the fourth gestation, whereas IgM showed a significant increase only to the third gestation. IgA showed only minor differences. Age-dependent increases in serum IgM were ascribed to the incraased probability of antigenic exposure during suckling, while failure to observe this change in serum IgA was ascribed to its role as a local Ig. Breed differences were observed to be significant for all three Ig's. It is concluded that establishment of group norms for serum Ig's should consider age and breed difference as well as stage of gestation or lactation.     

Caprine herpesvirus-1-specific IgG subclasses in naturally and experimentally infected goats

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed to detect caprine herpervirus-1 (CpHV-1)-specific IgG1 and IgG2 in sera from 43 naturally infected goats. The analysis of the IgG subclasses showed a dual pattern of distribution in seropositive goats with a major group of animals (36 out of 43) exhibiting significantly higher levels of IgG2 over IgG1 and a minor group (7 out of 43) possessing equal levels of IgG1 and IgG2. Four goats were experimentally infected with a virulent CpHV-1 Ba.1 strain by the intranasal or the intravaginal route and the kinetics of appearance of CpHV-1-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 in the serum were studied. Two weeks following infection, both IgG1 and IgG2 levels increased although convalescent sera (i.e., collected 5–8 weeks post-infection) showed a clear prevalence of the IgG2 subclass. To determine the contribution of the different IgG subclasses to herpesvirus immunity, serum neutralization (SN) assays were performed in both naturally and experimentally infected goats. The kinetics of SN showed that neutralization activity was mainly associated to the IgG1 subclass and this was also confirmed in naturally infected goats. The results are discussed from the standpoint that the profile of the IgG subclasses is instrumental to study immune responses to CpHV-1 and that vaccination strategies may benefit from this information.     

IgA, igG1, IgG2, IgM, and BSA in serum and mammary secretion throughout lactation

Bovine IgG1, IgG2, IgA, and IgM were measured in the serum and lacteal secretions of six cows from 10 days prepartum to 240 days of lactation. Immunoglobulins in lacteal secretions were expressed in units of concentration (mg/ml) as well as in total daily output. All isotypes were selectively accumulated during colostrum formation. The rate of IgG1 accumulation decreased rapidly after calving; this decrease corresponded to a return to normal serum levels of this immunoglobulin. Selective accumulation of IgA > IgM > IgG1 was maintained throughout lactation, but IgG2 showed no selective accumulation beyond 5 days postpartum. In serum, IgA and IgM levels were elevated at parturition and showed a significant decrease postpartum. Increases in serum IgA levels 60 days postpartum corresponded to a rise in lacteal concentration. The concentration of all immunoglobulins increased during late lactation, coincident with a major reduction in milk yield. Six strains of mastitis-causing organisms were cultured during the period of the experiment; however, none resulted in clinical mastitis or showed an effect on immunoglobulin secretion.     

雏鸵鸟主要血清抗体的动态变化

雏鸵鸟的被动免疫主要靠母源抗体。在种蛋孵化过程中胚胎逐渐成熟，不断从卵中吸收免疫抗体。掌握雏鸵鸟血清主要抗体的动态变化规律，对鸵鸟养殖业的进一步发展，将有着巨大的推动作用。鉴于此，我们进行了初步探讨。     

Development of ELISAs for the measurement of IgM and IgG subclasses in sera from llamas (Lama glama) and assessment of the humoral immune response against different antigens

Members of the Camelidae family possess a functional class of antibodies devoid of light chains (known as heavy chain antibodies, HCAbs). Three IgG isotypes have been identified (IgG(1), IgG(2) and IgG(3)); IgG(2) and IgG(3) are HCAbs whereas the IgG(1) has the conventional structure. Different subtypes of IgG(1) (IgG(1a) and IgG(1b)) and IgG(2) (IgG(2a), IgG(2b) and IgG(2c)) have been classified according to variations in the amino acids sequence of the hinge region. The single variable domain of HCAbs has been referred as VHH. Until now, the relative amount of each subclass has been inferred, but the lack of highly specific antibodies against HCAbs has been a limitation for their quantification. In a previous work, we produced specific polyclonal antibodies against IgG(2a), IgG(2b), IgG(2c) and IgG(3) by immunizing rabbits with synthetic and recombinant peptides corresponding to their hinge region. In this work we produced specific antisera against llama IgM and IgG(1). The anti-IgG(1) serum was obtained by immunizing rabbits with a recombinant fusion protein formed by GST fused to the CH(1) domain of the IgG(1). The anti-IgM serum was obtained by immunizing rabbits with IgM heavy chain. All these antisera were useful for the development of ELISAs for the measurement of IgM, total IgG and IgG subclasses. Sera from llamas (n=20) analyzed by ELISA gave the following values of immunoglobulins: IgG(1)=6.168+/-1.628 mg/ml; IgG(2)=0.684+/-0.310 mg/ml; IgG(3)=1.232+/-0.410 mg/ml; total IgG=8.933+/-1.815 mg/ml and IgM=1.027+/-0.308 mg/ml. These results indicate that HCAbs represent almost 25% of total IgG and the IgG(3) subtype is the predominant HCAb. We also analyzed the primary humoral immune response after immunization llamas with different antigens (BSA, BSA-DNP and dextran). Although it has been described that a few VHH clones are very efficient in the interaction with haptens, in this case the response against DNP was characterized by a delayed appearance of HCAbs in comparison with that of IgG(1). No anti-dextran response was observed in any of the isotypes analyzed.     

Immunoglobulins IgG and IgM in synovial fluids of swine with erysipelothrix polyarthritis

Concentrations of IgG and IgM immunoglobulins in synovial fluids and sera from a group of swine with experimentally produced Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae polyarthritis were measured to determine if there was local synthesis of these immunoglobulins by plasma cells in arthritic synovial tissue. IgG and, to a lesser extent, IgM were significantly higher in arthritic than in nirmal synovial fluids from the same group of swine and this increase could only partly be explained by the increased permeability of the arthritic synovial membrane to plasma proteins. When synovial fluid values of IgG and IgM were calculated on the basis of companion serum concentration it was found that 82% of IgG, and 25% of IgM estimations were significantly elevated above levels in normal joints indicating that IgG was the dominant immunoglobulin synthesized.     

Survey of serum IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations in a large beagle population in which IgA deficiency had been identified

Concentrations of serum IgA, IgG, and IgM were determined for 829 adult Beagles from a commercial kennel in which several IgA-deficient dogs had been identified previously (index kennel). These values were compared with measurements of 100 adult dogs from another Beagle kennel (control kennel). After adjustment for differences in the ages and gender of the dogs, dogs from the index kennel had significantly (P less than 0.0001) lower IgA concentrations (mean, 46 mg/dl) than dogs from the control kennel (mean, 68 mg/dl). Regardless of kennel, males had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher IgA concentrations than did females. Dogs in the control kennel had significantly (P less than 0.04) higher IgG concentrations (mean, 2,649 mg/dl) than did dogs in the index kennel (mean, 2,478 mg/dl), and female dogs in the control kennel had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher IgM concentrations (mean, 189 mg/dl) than dogs of either sex in the index kennel (mean, 162 mg/dl) or male dogs in the control kennel (mean, 163 mg/dl). For both sexes, concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM increased with age.     

Quantitation of sheep IgG1, IgG2, IgA, IgM and albumin by radioimmunoassay

A solid phase radioimmunoassay procedure for the measurement of immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM) and albumin in sheep body fluids (serum, intestinal lymph, caudal mediastinal lymph, bile, mammary secretions and intestinal secretions) is described. This method was found to be easy to perform, rapid, sensitive and reproducible. Results obtained were consistent with those previously reported using radial immunodiffusion and nephelometric techniques.