Changes in the Localization of Antigen Presenting Cells and T Cells in the Utero-vaginal Junction after Repeated Artificial Insemination in Laying Hens

Abstract

Abstract. The goal of our present study was to observe whether the populations of antigen presenting cells (Ia+ cells) and T cell subsets (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) change in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) of Rhode Island Red laying hens that showed dramatic declines in fertility after repeated artificial insemination (AI). Rhode Island Red laying hens were divided into two groups: a virgin group (R-V) and artificial inseminated group (R-AI), which was exposed to weekly AI for a period of 3 mo. Undiluted fresh semen collected from healthy Tosa-Jidori roosters, a native Japanese breed maintained in Kochi Prefecture, was used for AI. The UVJ tissues were processed for frozen sections, and Ia+ cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were identified by immunohistochemistry. The Ia+ cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in the stroma and mucosal epithelium of UVJ in both the R-AI and R-V birds. The frequencies of them in the stroma were significantly higher in R-AI than R-V. The higher frequency of Ia+ cells in the UVJ of R-AI group indicated a greater potential capability for antigen presentation to CD4+ cells. The significant increase in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the UVJ of R-AI birds might be the result of a homing process of lymphocytes, which may affect sperm survivability and fertility.

PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Role of the oviduct in maintaining sustained fertility in hens1

“…Using a low fertility line of hens subjected to repeated inseminations, Das et al (2005b) observed swollen SST lacking resident sperm and lymphocyte infiltration of the SST. In addition, these authors also noted that the mucosa surrounding the SST possessed increased numbers of antigen-presenting cells expressing MHC class II, CD4 + , and CD8 + T phenotypes (Das et al, 2005a). Concurrent with the increased numbers of these immunocompetent cells and the abnormal appearance of the SST was a decrease in the abundance of mRNA for estrogen receptor-α (Das et al, 2006b).…”

Expression of transforming growth factor-β isoforms and their receptors in utero-vaginal junction of hen oviduct in presence or absence of resident sperm with reference to sperm storage

“…Thus, these reports suggest that TGFbs exert suppressive effect on T-and B-cell proliferation or differentiation. Previous report described that lymphocyte population was increased in UVJ and sperm were not stored in SST in infertile hens after AI (Das et al 2005b). Plasma cells were also shown in the UVJ of infertile hens (Van Krey et al 1987).…”

“…However, the precise mechanism of sperm survivability in the SST has not been established. There are reports that the leukocyte population was increased in UVJ after artificial insemination (AI) in infertile hens and the local immunity of vagina and UVJ may affect the sperm survivability (Higaki et al 1995, Zheng et al 2001, Das et al 2005b. Thus, one of the requirements for prolonged sperm survivability in hen oviduct may be to suppress the immune response to sperm stored in SST.…”

Novel copy number variation of the TGFβ3 gene is associated with TGFβ3 gene expression and duration of fertility traits in hens

“…Here, the spermatozoa are stored and ultimately released for upward transport toward the infundibulum for ova fertilization [14]. In previous studies, the population of immune cells in the UVJ tissues of infertile hens significantly increased in hens receiving AI [15, 16], and infiltration of lymphocytes into the SSTs of hens with low fertility were observed [17]. Along these lines, Bakset reported that successful sperm storage in the SSTs depends on the immune privilege of the sperms which is thought to relate to an allergen residing in SSTs [18].…”