Stimulation of immunoglobulin-containing cells and isotype-specific antibody response in experimental Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection in specific-pathogen-free pigs

The development of immunoglobulin-containing cells and antigen-specific plasma cells in retropharyngeal and bronchial lymph nodes, in lung tissue, and in nasal mucous membrane was followed during an experimental infection of pigs with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to follow stimulation of the immunoglobulin isotypes (classes) M, G, and A directed against the infectious agent in tracheobronchial secretions and systemically. A significant increase of antigen-specific plasma cells in lymph nodes and lung tissue as well as antibodies in tracheobronchial secretions was demonstrated 2 weeks after infection. This specific reaction was followed by a marked increase of immunoglobulin-containing cells in lymph nodes and lung tissue. The data are discussed in terms of autoimmune reactions in the pathogenesis of enzootic pneumonia.