Structural and functional changes in organs and cells of the immune system in Solanum glaucophyllum intoxicated heifers

FONTANA PA; GIMENO EJ; LAGUENS G; BARBEITO CG; DI GIROLAMO W; COSTA EF; CORONATO S; PORTIANSKY EL.

Poisonous Plants: Global Research and Solutions

CABI Publishing

Año: 2007; p. 324 - 329

Enzootic calcinosis (EC) is an intoxication of bovine livestock caused by the chronic ingestion of Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) also known as ´Duraznillo blanco. Solanum glaucophyllum is a plant with calcinogenic activity that contains high levels of glycoside conjugates with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D or calcitriol. Calcitriol is mainly related with calcium and bone metabolism. In addition, several effects on growth and differentiation of many cell types and marked immunomodulatory properties were observed. These biological effects are mediated by the vitamin D receptor. The presence of this receptor has been found in most cell types of the immune system, particularly in antigen presenting cells (APC), such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DC), as well as in both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Here we describe the alterations in the morphological and functional characteristics of the organs related to the immune system in Sg-intoxicated cattle.