Distribution pattern of local immune cells within the lower urinary tract of male sheep lambs. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sickinger, Marlene; Wehrend, Axel; Wenisch, Sabine
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 137(2021)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Immune cells -- Urethra -- Ovine -- Castration -- Urolithiasis; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.05.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: The local immunity of the lower urinary tract (LUT) is often presumed to influence the development of ascending infections and local inflammation. Due to small ruminants being at a higher risk of developing obstructive urolithiasis after early castration, a relationship is expected to exist between disturbed local immunity, castration and disease. However, the underlying pathophysiology and histological correlation of this assumption are unknown. This study examines the local cellular immunity of the LUT in male lambs with respect to castration status or a recent history of obstructive urolithiasis. Various tissue samples were taken and examined. The sample consisted of 34 male lambs, aged six months ( n = 11 early and n = 11 late castration; n = 12 intact) and eight rams that had undergone necropsy due to fatal outcome after obstructive urolithiasis. Immunohistochemical stainings for CD3-T-cells, CD79α-B-cells and MAC 387-macrophages were performed and compared among the groups. Whereas no global group differences were evident, significant differences were found for the localizations ( P = 0.002) with a significant interaction between group and localization ( P = 0.004). The immunohistochemical results suggest that castration did not affect the cell number, but did have an effect on the distribution pattern of local T-cells within the urethra. In the urolithiasis cases, a reduction of CD3-positive cells along the middle part of the urethra was noticeable. Highlights: Castrated lambs are supposed to be predisposed for obstructive urolithiasis. Urolithiasis is seen in infection of the lower urinary tract (LUT). Effects of castration or urolithiasis on local mucosal immunity were investigated. Urethral samples were immunohistochemically examined for CD3, CD79α and MAC387. Castration altered the T-cell pattern; urolithiasis reduced the T-cell count.