Open AccessPhytohaemagglutinin injection has a long‐lasting effect on immune cells
Author(s) -
Sarv Tuul,
Hõrak Peeter
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of avian biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.022
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1600-048X
pISSN - 0908-8857
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-048x.2009.04713.x
Subject(s) - phytohaemagglutinin , biology , immune system , innate immune system , immunology , immunity , peripheral blood
Measurement of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced skin swelling is the most popular assay of immune function in avian studies. The mechanisms causing swelling have been relatively well studied; however, very little is known about the potential long term physiological effects of PHA. Here we show that injection of PHA into patagium of captive greenfinches Carduelis chloris increases the concentration of heterophils (phagocytic cells of the innate immune response) in the peripheral blood for at least 30 days. Such long‐term consequences should be taken into account when using PHA skin test in studies monitoring changes in individual physiological condition and/or immune status.