HISTOCHEMICAL PATTERN IN THE FOLLICLE ASSOCIATED EPITHELIUM OF RABBITS INTOXICATED WITH SOLANUM GLAUCOPHYLLUM

ZANUZZI, C.N., BARBEITO, C.G, FONTANA, P.A., PORTIANSKY, E.L, ROMA, S AND GIMENO, E.J

Belo Horizonte

Congreso; XII ENAPAVE; 2005

Sociedad de Patologia Veterinaria de Brasil

Enzootic Calcinosis is a disease characterized by wasting and calcification of soft tissues. It is produced by the ingestion of Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg). It contains high levels of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 as glycoside derivatives. Vitamin D not only is involved in calcium homeostasis, but also in immune regulation, cell growth and differentiation. The carbohydrate pattern is used as a marker of cell differentiation. We compared the glyconjugate expression of the follicle associated epithelium (FAE) of control and intoxicated animals at the Peyer´s patches, using PAS and lectinhistochemistry. Male three months-old New Zealand rabbits were intoxicated with 125mg/Kg/day of Sg, twice a week for a month. Clinically normal and alimentary stressed animals were used as controls. Peyer´s patches samples were processed to PAS technical or incubated with the biotinylated lectins WGA, CON-A, DBA, SBA, PNA, RCA-1 and UEA-1. The detection system LSAB, diaminobencidine chromogen and hematoxyline counterstaining were used. Domes, villi and Lieberkühn glands were observed. The enterocytes, goblet cells and membranous (M) cells were analyzed. Some slides were also incubated with antivimentin to determinate M cells. The results were expressed from 0 (negative) to 3 (highly positive). The PNA and SBA binding pattern were reduced in the domes’glycocalix of the intoxicated. M cells represent 50% of the FAE. They are responsable for antigen transport to induce an appropriate immune response. The saccaride composition of the glycocalix is relevant for this function. Changes in surface carbohydrate could alter the antigen uptake and the local immune response in the intoxicated animals.