Biogenic amines regulate avian immunity

Poult Sci. 1993 Jul;72(7):1285-8. doi: 10.3382/ps.0721285.

Abstract

Alzet mini-osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously to administer norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) to 6-wk-old line UNH 105 chickens. Dose-time studies showed the most effective NE and E dose and exposure time on two chicken cellular immune responses: the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) wattle response and leukocyte migration. Administration of 1 microgram/h NE for 72 h suppressed significantly the wattle stimulation index [2.48 +/- .3 (SE)] compared to that of saline controls (4.1 +/- .3) but enhanced mean leukocyte migration (7.7 +/- .3 versus 4.9 +/- .3). Epinephrine at 1 microgram/h for 72 h significantly suppressed the wattle index (1.8 +/- .2) compared to that of controls (2.8 +/- .3) but E at 1 microgram/h for 48 h enhanced leukocyte migration (9.5 +/- .2 versus 6.4 +/- .2). Continuous administration of NE and E at physiological levels alters cell-mediated immunity and appears to have an immune regulatory role in the chicken.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Migration Inhibition
  • Chickens / immunology*
  • Epinephrine / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Male
  • Norepinephrine / administration & dosage*
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine