T Cells Development Is Different between Thymus from Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restricted Pig Fetus at Different Gestational Stage

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the development of T cells in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) piglets at different gestational stages, and tentatively explore the relationship between T cells development and the Notch signaling pathway. A total of 18 crossbred (Landrace×Large white) primiparous sows were mated at similar weights and estruses and euthanized at d 60, 90 and 110 of gestation with six replicates for each time point. One IUGR and one normal fetus were picked from each litter. The T-cell subsets, mRNA expression of Delta-like1, Delta-like4, Jagged1, and Notch2 genes in the thymus were investigated. Compared to normal piglets, CD3+CD4−CD8+ cells in IUGR fetuses at d 90 was 0.13% lower (p<0.05). At d 110 of gestation CD8+ T cells in IUGR fetuses was 0.19% lower (p<0.05). The percentage of CD8+ T cells was 3.14% lower (p<0.05) of the total T cells in IUGR pigs at d 60. The abundance of Notch2 and Delta-like4 mRNA at d 110 was 20.93% higher and 0.77% (p<0.05) lower, and Delta-like1 mRNA at d 90 was 0.19% (p<0.05) higher compared to normal pigs. These results suggested that normal fetuses had a greater proportion of T-cell subsets at earlier gestation periods, and the Notch signaling pathway was likely partially responsible for these differences to some degree.

Intra-uterine growth restriction induced by maternal low-protein diet causes long-term alterations of thymic structure and function in adult male rat offspring

“…In a similar model of fetal malnutrition, Badr et al reported an increased CD4:CD8 lymphocyte subpopulations ratio in adult male rats without testing the statistical significance of this observation (27) . Lin et al described an increased CD4:CD8 lymphocyte subpopulation ratio in newborn rats assessed during the gestational period; of note, the IUGR was an observational condition and not experimentally controlled (40) . This finding is also reported in a study using an ovine model of IUGR (13) .…”

Neonatal and Long-Term Consequences of Fetal Growth Restriction

“…Similar findings have been reported in preclinical studies. FGR piglets present decreased T and B lymphocytes counts and proliferation in peripheral blood [ 44 ] and lower cytokine concentrations (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1α, and IL-8) [ 45 ].…”

The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets

“…In mammals, the development and function of T cells are necessary for a successful growth, and the Notch signalling pathway, which includes Notch receptors and ligands, is fundamental to modulate T-lymphocyte development (Costa et al, 2005). Lin, Wang, Wang, Wu, and Lai (2013) found that normal foetuses had a greater proportion of T-cell subsets at earlier gestation periods than IUGR foetuses, and the Notch signalling pathway was likely partially responsible for these differences to some degree. Wang et al (2008) found that the physiology of piglets right after birth was affected by IUGR status and their intermediary metabolism was altered (cellular signalling defects, redox imbalance, reduced protein synthesis and enhanced proteolysis).…”

“…In mammals, the development and function of T cells are necessary for a successful growth, and the Notch signalling pathway, which includes Notch receptors and ligands, is fundamental to modulate T‐lymphocyte development (Costa et al., ). Lin, Wang, Wang, Wu, and Lai () found that normal foetuses had a greater proportion of T‐cell subsets at earlier gestation periods than IUGR foetuses, and the Notch signalling pathway was likely partially responsible for these differences to some degree. Wang et al.…”