Abstract
The effects of aging on the immune systems of Beagle dogs and domestic fowl were evaluated by measuring several different parameters of immune function and comparing the responses of young adult versus aged animals. Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were used to measure in vivo cell mediated immunity. The increase in skin thickness and visual evaluation of inflammation were used to measure the response. The ability of lymphocytes to undergo in vitro blastogenesis was evaluated by use of PHA, concanavalin A (Con-A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The uptake of ^3H -thymidine was used to measure the response. Humoral immune responsiveness was measured by intravenous injection of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and measuring the antibody response at 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post injection by use of direct and indirect hemagglutination. Analysis of the data obtained from delayed hypersensitivity response to DNCB or inflammatory response to PHA showed there was an age associated difference in cellular immune response of dogs, with young dogs responding better than old dogs. There was also a sex associated interaction between dogs of different ages where it was shown that young females responded better than young males, but old males responded better than old females. There was no age associated difference in chickens to cutaneous stimulation with DNCB or PHA. There was however, a sex associated difference, with females responding better than males in both age groups. Analysis of the data obtained from in vitro lymphocyte stimulation showed no difference between ages or between sexes. However, the response to PHA was significantly higher than the response to Con-A or PWM in both dogs and chickens. Analysis of the data obtained from injection of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) showed a higher antibody response of young animals than old animals. This occurred in both dogs and chickens. There were only minor differences in antibody response between sexes.
Warner, Donald H. (1986). Immunological senescence : characterization of age related changes in immune function of Beagle dogs and domestic fowl. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -21925.