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- Title
Expression galectins in sheep blood during the periparturient period.
- Authors
Osei, B.; Worku, M.; Adjei-Fremah, S.; Asiama, E.; Ekwemalor, K.; Ismail, H.
- Abstract
In this study, galectin gene expression pre- and postpartum was evaluated in blood. St. Croix sheep are a breed of hair sheep that are parasite resistant and prolific and so are of interest for production. Immunosuppression during the periparturient period occurs in every organ in the sheep's body to enable the ewe support fetal growth and prevent abortion. During this time, sheep become susceptible to diseases and parasite infection. They rely on the effectiveness of their immune system to fight off invading parasites and diseases. Galectins are a family of lectins that have been proposed to promote intra- and intercellular communication impacting immunity. Blood was aseptically collected from 6 pregnant ewes into Paxgene tubes 1 wk before and 1 wk after lambing. Body weight, FAMACHA score, and BCS were collected to ensure they were in good health. Total RNA was isolated from the whole blood and converted into cDNA. Real-time PCR was performed using pooled cDNA samples with 8 different galectin primers (Gal 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 15 and 16) and B-actin primer served as control. All the galectins were expressed pre- and postpartum except for Gal 2, which was absent prepartum but expressed postpartum. Although all were expressed after lambing, Gal 3, 4, and 16 had a significant fold change increase, with Gal 16 being the highest with a fold change of 4. Periparturient changes in galectin expression may be useful indicator of animal health and welfare and should be characterized further.
- Subjects
SHEEP physiology; GALECTINS; FETAL development
- Publication
Journal of Animal Science, 2017, Vol 95, p20
- ISSN
0021-8812
- Publication type
Abstract
- DOI
10.2527/asasann.2017.040