Meeting Abstract
Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is essential for protection against ingested pathogens (many consumed in food) and maintenance of normal gut microbiota. While much is known about the mammalian gut and lymphoid tissues associated with it, gut immunity is much less understood in reptilian species. Of particular interest are small structures called isolated lymphoid follicles (ILF), consisting primarily of B cells and found throughout the small intestine. In mammals, the formation of the ILF is not developmentally driven like other lymphoid tissues such as Peyer’s Patches, but is rather dynamic and induced through antigenic stimulation and diet. We have now identified ILF-like structures in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta) turtle. Our preliminary studies have shown high variation in the presence and location of these structures in hatchling animals by use of a specific primary antibody to turtle Ig (HL-673). Furthermore, in the turtle, these ILF-like tissues have shown possible variation in presence in response to when the clutch was laid (i.e. early nesting season or late nesting season). In order to determine if the observed ILF-like structures are inducible, similar to those in mammals, we will introduce enteric Salmonella through oral gavage to hatchling turtles and allow colonization. Gut tissue will then be analyzed through whole mount immunohistochemistry for the distribution of B cell staining. The overall effect of season will also be tested. These studies will provide novel information about gut immunity in non-mammalian vertebrates.
