Expression of costimulatory molecules in antigen-activated peritoneal macrophages treated with either ovalbumin or palmitoyl-ova conjugates

One of the mechanisms by which adjuvants are believed to promote T-cell activation and prevent induction of oral tolerance is by up-regulating the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells. Mice treated orally with palmitoyl-ovalbumin conjugates become immunized, while those treated with native ovalbumin (Ova) become tolerant. Cells from the peritoneal cavity of B6D2F1 mice were cultured in the presence of 0.01, or 0.1 mg/100ml of either Ova, or palmitoyl-Ova and tested for the presence of cell markers. PE-conjugated anti-mouse CD80, CD86, and CD11b antibodies as well as biotin-PE were used to stain the antigen-activated peritoneal cells. A significant increase in the expression of CD86 and CD80 was observed following in vitro stimulation with palmitoyl-Ova; additionally, both Ova and palmitoyl-Ova induced the basal expression of CD11b. These findings could be related with the strong T-cell proliferative response induced by palmitoyl-Ova

Ethanol affects the absorption and tissue distribution of orally administered antigens in mice

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of ethanol on the adsorption and tissue distribution of orally administered antigens in mice. Results showed that ethanol reduced the level of anti-ovalbumin IgA antibodies in intestinal fluid for the mice treated orally with a palmitoyl-ovalbumin conjugate. Ethanol was administered intragastrically to mice at 5 g/kg body weight for 14 days (chronic treatment), or 10 g/kg body weight every 7th day up to 14 days (acute treatment). Thereafter, 99m technetium-labeled antigens were administered and lymphoid tissues were collected. Ethanol interfered with the transport of ovalbumin to the liver. Moreover, the transport of palmitoyl-ovalbumin to mesenteric lymph nodes was reduced 6 h after the antigen administration. In conclusion, there was a relationship between the suppression of ethanol-mediated specific local IgA responses and the decreased transport of palmitoyl-ovalbumin to mesenteric lymph nodes

Biodistribution of free 99mTc-ovalbumin and 99mTc-ovalbumin encapsulated in liposomes

The oral administration of proteic antigens, like ovalbumin, may result in the induction of oral tolerance or immunization. The aim of this work was to label a protein antigen with 99mTechnetium, encapsulate it in liposomes and investigate its absorption and tissue distribution after oral administration in mice. Ovalbumin was labeled with 99mTechnetium and encapsulated in small unilamellar vesicles. 99mTc-OVA encapsulated or not in liposomes was administrated to mice that were sacrificed after different times. The radioactivity was measured in various organs of the animals. Differences concerning the biodistribution of 99mTc-OVA were noticed. The technique may represent alternatives for the induction of immunization or oral tolerance

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data