Fundamental hematological and immunological data were obtained on sexually mature germfree miniature pigs fed, after the milk diet period, with cereal-type diet sterilized by gamma-radiation, and were compared with data of control conventional animals. Germfree adult pigs had a lower count of peripheral blood leukocytes with a lower percentage of neutrophil granulocytes and without any younger forms, a lower total serum protein level with a negligible amount of gamma and alpha 2 globulin fractions and a higher serum albumin and beta globulin level. In the mesenteric lymph nodes and in spleen, surface IgA-bearing cells predominated over surface IgG-bearing cells. Also a large amount of IgA-containing cells was found in the intestinal lamina propria, where the IgG cells were present in a negligible amount. IgM cells were the most frequent surface isotype in peripheral blood. The count of blood T lymphocytes was more than doubled.
14-d-old conventional piglets were picked from normal piggery, washed with disinfectants, placed into isolators suitable for germfree work, fed a sterile diet and treated with peroral antibiotics (nalidixic acid, kanamycin, and nystatin). Beginning with day 5 or 7, Enterobacteriaceae were not found in feces. The absence of these bacteria was proved by inoculation of germfree newborn piglets with caecal content. In selectively decontaminated piglets, the white blood cell count in blood had fallen to 6 X 10(9)/L; this decrease was due to an extremely low number of granulocytes (to 0.8 X 10(9)/L). On day 35, IgG-positive cells almost disappeared from the spleen, whereas IgA cells were found in an unusually great amount. Corresponding changes in serum levels were established. The colonization resistance effect in Enterobacteriaceae-deprived piglets was confirmed; settling of introduced various E. coli strains did not occur or was delayed.
The concentration of active phagocytes in peripheral blood remained in germfree pigs up to the age of one year approximately at the same level as found at the age of 7 d and did not exceed 0.3 X 10(9)/L of blood, whereas a steady increase was established in conventional pigs. Monoassociation of gnotobiotic piglets with Streptococcus faecalis increased during 24 h the concentration of circulating granulocytes and the concentration of active phagocytes. An even more pronounced effect was obtained when formolized S. faecalis cells were applied intraperitoneally to germfree piglets. This treatment elevated the phagocytosis index also in conventional piglets, as well as in germfree piglets previously given cyclophosphamide. Escherichia coli O 83 or a mixture of anaerobic bacteria did not cause any serious changes in the activity of phagocytosis in gnotobiotic piglets. S. faecalis seems to be a natural factor stimulating both the release of granulocytes from their depots as well as their phagocytic activity.
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