Immunocytochemical localization of the ovine immunoglobulins IgA, IgG1, IgG1-A and IgG2: effect of gastro-intestinal parasitism in the sheep

Abstract

A study has been made of the immunocytochemical localization of IgG1, IgG2, IgG1_A and IgA in the alimentary tract and associated lymph nodes of parasitized and parasite-free sheep. No immunoglobulin-containing cells were found in the abomasal mucosa of the parasite-free sheep. On the other hand, large numbers of IgG1 and IgG1_A-containing cells were found in the lamina propria and at the base of the villi of the abomasum of the parasitized sheep. IgG1, IgG1_A, and IgA-containing cells were found in mucosal sections from the jejunum and ileum of both parasitized and parasite-free sheep, the number of IgG1_A-containing cells being sifnificantly greater in the former than in the latter. This increase was considered to be of some importance since the IgG1_A subclass appears to be involved in the allergic response of the sheep to intestinal parasites.