Sexual Dimorphism Has Low Impact on the Response against Rotavirus Infection in Suckling Rats

Abstract

<jats:p>Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading pathogens causing severe and acute diarrhea in children and animals. It is well known that sex contributes to shaping immune responses, thus it could also influence the incidence and severity of the RV infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sexual dimorphism on RV infection and its antibody (Ab) immune response in a suckling rat model. Neonatal suckling rats were intragastrically RV-inoculated and clinical indexes derived from fecal samples, as well as immune variables were evaluated. Higher severity of diarrhea, fecal weight and viral elimination were observed in males compared to females (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding the adaptative immunity, the RV shaped the immune response to lower IgG1 levels and an increased Th1/Th2-associated Ab response (p &lt; 0.05). Although females had lower IgG2a levels than males (p &lt; 0.05), the specific anti-RV antibody levels were not sex influenced. In fact, at this age the passive transfer of anti-RV antibodies through breast milk was the critical factor for clustering animals, independently of their sex. It can be concluded that male and female diarrhea severity in RV infection is slightly influenced by sexual dimorphism and is not associated with the specific immune response against the virus.</jats:p>

Preventive Effect of a Postbiotic and Prebiotic Mixture in a Rat Model of Early Life Rotavirus Induced-Diarrhea

“…This last test was also used for non-parametric variables such as the ID score. As sexual dimorphism has shown to have low impact on the response against RV-infected suckling rats [ 41 ] and the low sample size when distributing by sex, differential sex-effects were not compared.…”

Effect of Rotavirus Infection and 2′-Fucosyllactose Administration on Rat Intestinal Gene Expression

“…Newborn rats were distributed into four study groups (each group constituted by three litters of 8 pups each): reference (REF) group, 2 -fucosyllactose (2 -FL) group, rotavirusinfected (RV) group and rotavirus-infected group with 2 -FL supplementation (RV + 2 -FL). The number of animals per group was calculated taking into account that there was at least one animal from the three different litters in each group, due to the strong maternal influence in the process [22].…”