Responses of immunoglobulin-secreting cells in the skin of pigs during Sarcoptes scabiei infestation

Investigations using immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques revealed a gradual, but marked, increase in the numbers of immunoglobulin-secreting cells in the skin of pigs during the development of lesions of sarcoptic mange. This was followed by a marked decrease as the lesions regressed. The rise and fall in numbers of these immunoglobulin-secreting cells were observed in both newborn and older animals as they developed signs of cutaneous disease. IgG-secreting cells were the major immunoglobulin-containing cells, followed by IgM- and then IgA-containing cells in the skin of newborn animals. In older pigs, IgM-secreting cells were most prevalent, followed by IgG- and IgA-secreting cells. In multiple infestations, immunoglobulin-secreting cells in the dermis showed very little increase in numbers following the second infestation. Third, fourth and fifth infestations produced little or no increase.