The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has recently been described as a novel therapeutic target, given the potent suppression of multiple immune-mediated diseases following activation by the prototypic ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In the parent-into-F1 graft-versus-host (GVH) model, suppression of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response is associated with the presence of CD25⁺CTLA-4⁺IL-10⁺Foxp3[superscript...
T cells are one of the key cells in the immune system. Although they are not the first line of defense against a pathogen, their functions can greatly enhance the phagocytosis and destruction of pathogens as well as the development of antibody responses. Furthermore, even when responding T cells have...
The immune system has been identified as a very sensitive target for the toxic effects of 2,3,7,S-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Exposure to TCDD has been shown to disrupt the generation of both cell-mediated and humoral T cell-dependent immunity in laboratory animals; however, the mechanism remains unknown. In this dissertation, the hypothesis is...
The objective of this study was to examine optimum conditions for primary
culture of porcine preadipocytes. Dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained
from biopsies of 40-50 kg pigs and digested with collagenase in Krebs Ringer
Bicarbonate buffer. Isolated stromal vascular cells were cultured in different test media.
Stromal vascular cells...
Primary cultures of stromal-vascular (S-V) cells from adipose tissue were
used to investigate the regulation of preadipocyte development. Differentiation of
S-V cells was found to be under hormonal control. Insulin and glucocorticoids are
essential for S-V cell differentiation in culture.
S-V cells from both newborn and mature pig adipose tissue...
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds are well-recognized for their immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated through an intracellular receptor and transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Laboratory animals exposed to TCDD are less resistant to infection and have severely impaired humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. This dissertation addressed the hypothesis that...