LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION AND CELL-MEDIATED-IMMUNITY IN PIGS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (8) , 1335-1341
Abstract
Pigs (25) inoculated with African swine fever virus were studied for the development of changes in lymphocyte numbers and function. Lymphopenia and decreased percentage of circulating T-lymphocytes occurred as early as 7 days after the pigs were inoculated. These were accompanied by depressed lymphocyte function, as measured by mitogen[lipopolysaccharide, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed]- or antigen-induced blastogenesis. There were proportionately greater decreases in T-lymphocyte numbers and function than were found for B-lymphocytes. Studies of phagocytic cell function revealed decreased phagocytic function for peripheral blood monocytes and unchanged (normal) neutrophil function. Depressed T-lymphocyte function occurred in pigs with acute and subacute infections, indicating depression of cellular immune function.