Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “eggshell”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,243 records · Page 69Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The effect of sodium zeolite A and cholecalciferol on plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, calcium, and phosphorus in commercial Leghorns.

Three experiments were conducted to determine possible mechanisms involved in improving eggshell quality with sodium zeolite A (SZA) (trade name Ethacal feed component), and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) by studying the effect of dietary supplementation of SZA and vitamin D3 on plasma 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2 D3], ionic calcium (Ca++), normalized calcium (nCa++), total calcium (TCa), percentage Ca++ to TCa (PCa++), pH, and phosphorus (P). In Experiment 1 (2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments), two levels of SZA (0 and .75%) and two levels of vitamin D3 (0 and 175 ICU/kg) were fed. In Experiment 2, five levels of vitamin D3 (100 to 500 ICU/kg) and two levels of SZA (0 and .75%) were fed using a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement of treatments. In Experiment 3, hens were fed two levels of SZA (0 and .75%). Blood samples were collected at 0 (Experiments 1, 2, and 3), 7, 14, and 21 h (Experiment 3) postoviposition (POP). In Experiments 1 and 2, decreasing vitamin D3 decreased plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3 and P. Plasma TCa decreased when 0 ICU vitamin D3 was fed (Experiment 1), but was not affected by vitamin D3 level in Experiment 2. Supplemental SZA had no effect on plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3, TCa, or P in Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 3, plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3 and P peaked at 14 h POP, but Ca++ was lowest at 14 h POP. Circadian rhythms for plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3, Ca++, and P were not affected by SZA. There were no significant effects due to dietary SZA on plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3, TCa, Ca++, PCa++, nCa++, pH, or P.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed1992

Vitamin profiles of eggs as indicators of nutritional status in the laying hen: vitamin B12 study.

Hens of a type used for egg production were fed a corn and soybean meal diet supplemented with no vitamin B12 or with vitamin B12 levels to provide one, two, or four times the National Research Council (1984) breeding hen requirement of 4 micrograms/kg diet for 27 wk. All hens were placed on a recovery diet containing one and one-half times the requirement level of vitamin B12 from Weeks 27 through 30. Egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations were determined frequently by radioisotope dilution analysis. Egg production records were kept continuously, and eggshell thickness, egg weight, hatchability of eggs, and hen body weights were measured at selected times. Although egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations were high at the outset, they decreased markedly in 2 wk from hens fed the two lowest dietary levels. After 12 wk on the diets, egg concentrations of vitamin B12 stabilized and were proportional to the amount of vitamin added to the diet. Egg concentrations of vitamin B12 between 1.3 and 2.6 micrograms/100 g yolk appeared to be needed to support maximum hatchability and egg weight. Egg production was reduced after 12 wk on the diets in the hens fed the two lowest vitamin B12 levels. As vitamin B12 level increased, shell thickness decreased and egg weight, hen weight, and hatchability increased. Maximum egg production, egg weight, hen weight, and hatchability were obtained when the diet contained 8.0 micrograms/kg of vitamin B12. Egg yolk vitamin B12 concentrations respond rapidly to dietary changes in the level of this vitamin and are indicative of the vitamin B12 status of the hen.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Research note: an assessment of egg yolk structure using magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the inner structure of the egg using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Proton images of fertile and infertile eggs and eggs from hens fed a corn-based or a flax-based diet were generated using a Spectroscopy Imaging Systems unit. Phantom eggs, made from homogenized albumen and homogenized yolk in a plastic shell, were imaged as controls. Eggs were imaged individually on their side, in the sagittal plane. A single image was generated through the center of the yolk. Images clearly distinguished the eggshell, air space, albumen, and yolk. Within the yolk of both fertile and infertile eggs, the latebra, the neck of the latebra, and four to six pairs of concentric yolk rings were visible, although the rings were less clearly defined in eggs from hens fed the flax-based diet. The embryo was not visible after 24 h of incubation but yolk stratification could still be resolved. Rings were not evident in the phantom eggs. It was concluded that MRI can be used successfully in assessing the microanatomy of eggs.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1993

Research note: growth of Salmonella enteritidis in Grade A eggs during prolonged storage.

Migration of Salmonella enteritidis through egg albumen to the yolk and its subsequent growth in the yolk were examined. Submersion of eggs in .1% mercuric chloride solution for 1 h followed by submersion in 70% ethanol for 30 min resulted in an eggshell surface from which no Salmonella organisms were recovered. The eggs were then inoculated with S. enteritidis under the shell membrane. Although growth of S. enteritidis was negligible in eggs refrigerated up to 16 days, the population level of the organism increased by more than 8 log10 units in unrefrigerated eggs stored for the same amount of time.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Evidence for absorption of silicon and aluminum by hens fed sodium zeolite A.

The mechanism of action of zeolite A (ZA) on eggshell quality could be related either to its ion-exchange properties or to individual ZA elements (Al or Si). Two experiments were conducted to determine 1) whether any ZA passes through the digestive system in its original form; and 2) whether any Al and Si absorption occurs. In Experiment 1, unfed hens were intubated with either 0 or 5 g ZA at oviposition. In Experiment 2, fed and unfed hens were intubated at oviposition with 0, 1, or 2 g ZA. At the subsequent oviposition, liver and kidney tissues, excreta, urine, bile, and plasma were collected and analyzed for Al, Si, Na, K, and P. The results indicated that approximately 7% of the intubated ZA passed through the digestive system in its original form (Experiment 1). As the intubated level of ZA increased, excreta Al and Si (P < .0001), urine Si (P < .005), and urine Al (P < .07) also increased (Experiment 2). Aluminum recovery from excreta ranged from 75 to 93% of the quantity intubated in all treatments. Corresponding values of Si from excreta of unfed and fed hens ranged from 76 to 81% and 58 to 60%, respectively. The P content of excreta was not influenced by ZA. However, excreta P was greater (P < .0001) in unfed than in fed hens. Neither plasma electrolytes (Na, K, and P) nor Al or Si levels in either liver or kidney were influenced by ZA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum↗
PubMed1993

Adaptation of the kidney during reproduction: role of estrogen in the regulation of responsiveness to parathyroid hormone.

Avian kidney function adapts during reproduction to provide the calcium required for eggshell formation. Adaptive changes in kidney function are 1) increased parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent adenylate cyclase activity; 2) elevated numbers of PTH receptors; and 3) increased synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Because exogenous estrogen mimics these changes, this study explored the physiological role of estrogen in the regulation of kidney function by altering egg-laying status or levels of estradiol. In hens, treatment with the coccidiostatic drug, nicarbazin, led to cessation of egg laying with maintenance of the reproductive tract and of plasma estradiol and calcium. The PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase activity remained elevated (upregulated). However, when molting was induced by altering the photoperiod and diet, plasma estradiol, plasma calcium, and renal PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase activity all decreased. The depressed responsiveness to PTH was restored by administration of estradiol either during the molt or upon return to egg laying following the molt. When the estrogen antagonist, tamoxifen, was administered to laying hens, reproduction ceased and the PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase activity of renal membranes was decreased. In all three groups of nonlaying birds, the activity of kidney 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase was markedly decreased relative to that of laying hens irrespective of the amount of plasma estradiol. It was concluded that estrogen regulates the PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase system of avian kidney, whereas the activity of the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase of kidney and thus, the synthesis of 1,25-hydroxycholecalciferol may be governed at least in part by the regulation of renal receptors for PTH by estrogen.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗
PubMed1993

Two-step mucosal competitive exclusion flora treatment to diminish salmonellae in commercial broiler chickens.

There is a need to control the intestinal colonization of broiler chickens by salmonellae in order to reduce the contamination of poultry products. A two-step treatment of broiler chicks with a mucosal competitive exclusion culture (MCE) was tested, in which the MCE was first sprayed on chicks in the hatchery followed by administration in the first drinking water. Three commercial flocks were treated and compared with parallel, untreated control flocks. Customary husbandry practices were employed. Environmental, hatchery, skin with feathers, and cecal samples were analyzed at 3 and 7 wk for the presence of salmonellae. Carcass rinse samples of fully processed birds were analyzed similarly. The results indicated that initial feed, water, and litter contamination was at a low frequency (< 10%). Eggshell fragments and chick paper pads were frequently contaminated (> 50%). After 3 wk growth, contamination of litter, skin with feathers, and ceca were significantly (P < .05) reduced in treated flocks as compared with control flocks. Salmonellae prevalence in ceca and in processed carcass rinses was also significantly (P < .05) reduced from 41% in control flocks to 10% in treated flocks. The study showed that treatment of chickens in a commercial setting with MCE cultures can serve as a useful means to reduce salmonellae contamination.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The effects of sex steroid hormones on the pigment accumulation in the shell gland of Japanese quail.

Effects of sex steroid hormones on the accumulation of the superficial pigment of the eggshell in the quail shell gland were investigated. In Experiment 1, 10 or 20 mg/100 g BW of aminoglutethimide (AG) was injected s.c. into laying quail hens 10 h before the expected ovulation. Thirty percent of the hens that received 10 mg/100 g BW and 87% of the hens that received 20 mg/100 g BW failed to ovulate. They had significantly (P < .01) lower concentrations of preovulatory plasma progesterone (P) than the control hens and showed significantly (P < .05) low concentrations of plasma estradiol-17 beta (E) and small amounts of the pigment in their shell glands after oviposition of the preceding egg. In Experiment 2, AG (20 mg/100 g BW) was administered s.c. to quail hens 10 h before the expected ovulation, followed by the administration of P (.05, .1, or .2 mg/100 g BW), E (.1, .2, or 1.0 mg/100 g BW), or testosterone (T) (.5 mg/100 g BW). Significant increases in the accumulated pigment 18 h after oviposition of the preceding egg were found when P was injected. However, administration of E and T had no influence on pigment accumulation. These results suggested that P might affect the accumulation of pigment in the quail shell gland.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Laying hen production responses to least cost rations formulated with stochastic programming or linear programming with a margin of safety.

An experiment with 480 DeKalb DK laying hens was conducted to study the effect of rations formulated with stochastic programming (STCH) or linear programming with a margin of safety (LPMS) over 12, 28-d periods. Rations were formulated to guarantee the requirement of methionine and lysine > or = 69%, in all rations, and Ca and P > or = either 69 or 90%. The four rations were: LPMS69 with Ca and P > or = 69%, LPMS90 with Ca and P > or = 90%, STCH69 with Ca and P > or = 69%, and STCH90 with Ca and P > or = 90%. Rations formulated with STCH were lower in cost than LPMS rations for respective probability levels. Costs per metric ton for LPMS69, LPMS90, STCH69, and STCH90 were $155.70, $157.71, $155.00, and $156.30, respectively. Compared to STCH rations, LPMS rations were overformulated in nutrients. There was no difference (P > .05) in performance for hen-housed egg production, hen-day egg production, feed per dozen eggs, mortality, egg weight, or eggshell percentage.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Absorption of silicon and aluminum by hens fed sodium zeolite A with various levels of dietary cholecalciferol.

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether 1) serum Si and Al is increased in hens intubated with sodium zeolite A (SZA); and 2) dietary cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) influences the absorption of Si or Al by hens fed SZA. In Experiment 1, hens were intubated at oviposition with 0, 1, or 2 g of SZA. Blood samples were collected from the brachial vein at oviposition, and 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h postoviposition. Serum samples were analyzed for Si and Al. Peak serum Si and Al were observed at 4 and 8 h postoviposition, respectively. In Experiment 2, hens consumed commercial layer diets ad libitum containing five levels of dietary cholecalciferol (100 to 500 IU/kg) with or without .75% SZA for 6 wk. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 6-wk period by cardiac puncture at oviposition. When dietary cholecalciferol was increased from 100 to 200 IU/kg of diet there was an increase (P < .05) in serum Si but not Al. Levels of cholecalciferol above 200 IU/kg did not produce an additional increase in serum Si. The results showed increased (P < .01) serum concentrations of Si and Al for hens intubated with or fed SZA. It was concluded that Si and Al from SZA are absorbed by commercial Leghorn hens, and a possible involvement of Si or Al should be considered in the mechanism of action of SZA associated with improved eggshell quality and bone development.

Absorption↗
PubMed1995

Calcium supplementation of hen drinking water.

Two experiments with White Leghorn hens (42 and 56 wk old, respectively) examined the effects of calcium supplementation through drinking water in the presence of adequate and inadequate dietary calcium. Each experiment was of 28 d duration with six replicate pens of five individually caged hens in each treatment. Treatments were a combination of either 2.25 or 3.5% dietary calcium coupled with tap water or water supplemented with .2% calcium from calcium lactate. In both studies, specific gravity of eggs was significantly improved when low dietary calcium was supplemented with .2% calcium in the drinking water. Egg production and egg weight were not influenced by waterborne calcium. Daily water intake was reduced by calcium lactate in all cases. Feed consumption was also depressed by waterborne calcium in both studies when 3.5% dietary calcium was given, and in Experiment 1 when 2.25% was fed. Waterborne calcium as calcium lactate was found to be effectively utilized for eggshell quality improvement when dietary sources were inadequate.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1995

Effects of population density on layer performance.

Four experiments were conducted to study the effects of population density on layer performance. in each experiment, 20-wk--old White leghorn pullets were housed in 30.5 x 50.8 cm cages at the rate of one, two, three, and four birds per cage for Treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. in Experiment 4, there were three additional treatments: for Treatments 5, 6, and 7, birds were placed into identical cages (30.5 x 50.8 cm) at the rate of three, two, and three birds per cage, respectively, at 20 wk of age. At 28 wk of age, one bird was removed from each cage in Treatment 5, and one bird was added to each cage in Treatments 6 and 7. In the first three experiments, all eggs that were collected for 2 consecutive d every 8 wk starting at 28 wk of age were used to measure egg traits. In Experiment 4, egg traits were determined once at 52 week of age. Birds at the highest population density had the lowest percentage hen-day egg production and had one of the poorest feed efficiencies. Egg production was negatively correlated (P < or = .01, Experiments 1, 2, 3; P < or = .05, Experiment 4) with population density. Feed required to produce a dozen eggs was positively correlated (P < or = .01, Experiments 1, 2; P < or = .05, Experiment 3) with population density in three out of the four experiments. The addition or removal of a cage mate to or from a multiple-bird cage in Experiment 4 did not (P > .05) affect egg production or feed efficiency. Final BW, mortality, and egg weight were not (P > .05) affected by population density. Only in one out of the four experiments was feed consumption (Experiment 1), eggshell thickness (Experiment 2), or albumen height (Experiment 3 lowered (P < or = .05) by having more than one bird per cage. This study showed that increasing population density decreased laying performance of the birds.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Influence of calcium and environmental temperature on performance of first-cycle (phase 1) commercial leghorns.

An experiment was conducted to determine whether optimizing profits, as well as eggshell and skeletal strength, by manipulation of dietary Ca level has any influence on either egg weight, egg production or feed consumption during the first 12 wk of production (Weeks 20 to 32, Phase 1). Hens were housed at two environmental temperatures (15.6 to 23.3 and 21.1 to 28.9 C) and fed six diets from 20 to 32 wk of age containing 2.5 to 5.0% Ca with increments of 0.5% and with ME levels ranging from 2,719 to 2,950 kcal/kg, respectively. Egg specific gravity, egg production, egg weight, and feed consumption were determined at weekly or biweekly intervals. At 32 wk of age, plasma Ca, bone density, and bone breaking strength were determined. Results indicated that environmental temperature had no influence on egg production but hens housed at the lower environmental temperature had an increase in egg weight, egg specific gravity, and feed consumption. Increasing dietary Ca level increased egg production, egg specific gravity, feed consumption, ionic plasma Ca, bone density, and bone breaking strength and had no adverse effect on egg weight. It was concluded that Hy-Line W-36 hens could be fed diets containing as much as 5% Ca with no adverse effect on egg production, egg weight, or feed consumption and that Hy-Line W-36 hens (Phase 1) under conditions described should be fed diets containing a minimum of 4.25% Ca (3.4 to 3.6 g per hen per d) to 4.5% Ca (3.6 to 3.8 g per hen per d). Calcium intake should range from 3.0 g per hen per d at 21 wk of age to 4.2 g per hen per d at 32 wk of age.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1996

Physiological differences in late embryos from turkey breeders at different ages.

Physiological mechanisms were measured in embryos from turkey hens of different ages to determine associations with declines in hatchability as breeder hens age. As the hens aged from 32 to 54 wk of age, embryonic viability declined (P < 0.05). The greatest proportional increase (P < 0.01) in embryonic mortality of aging hens occurred at the plateau stage in oxygen consumption or immediately thereafter at pipping. Eggshell conductance constants increased (P < 0.01) as hens aged but did not change after mid-lay, suggesting an alteration in respiration for the embryos in eggs produced by older hens compared to eggs produced by the same hens at younger ages. The alteration may cause embryos in eggs from older hens to reach the plateau stage in oxygen consumption (approximately 25 to 26 d of incubation) earlier in development than embryos from young hens. Hepatic and cardiac glycogen concentrations were greatest (P < 0.001) in embryos from hens at the youngest age and then declined (P < 0.05) as the hens aged. Embryonic blood plasma glucose concentrations declined (P <0.05) similarly. Plasma thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were measured in embryos from the hens at different ages as well. Increased (P < 0.05) T4 was evidenced in embryos from the youngest hens, whereas increased (P < 0.05) T3 activity was evident in embryos from hens of older ages. It was concluded that the decline in hatchability seen as turkey breeder hens age may have a basis in the differences seen in the physiology of hatching in embryos. Specifically, thyroid influences on growth and carbohydrate metabolism may be involved in decreased embryonic viability.

Aging↗
PubMed1996

Effect of hatching cabinet sanitation treatments on Salmonella cross-contamination and hatchability of broiler eggs.

Four trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of hatcher air sanitation utilizing ultraviolet light (UV), ozone, or hydrogen peroxide on bacterial populations, the spread of Salmonella, and hatchability of broiler eggs. The UV light (254 nm, 146 mu W/s) and ozone (0.2 or 0.4 ppm) treatments were continuously applied through the last 3 d of hatch, the hydrogen peroxide treatment (2.5%) was administered 1 or 2 min of each 10 min at rates of 500 or 100 mL/h. Hatchability was not significantly reduced by sanitizing treatments when compared with the untreated control (94 vs 95.6%). As compared to controls, all sanitizing treatments reduced 75 to 99% of the total bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella in the hatching cabinet air samples. The use of hydrogen peroxide resulted in greater reduction of bacteria than ozone or UV light. Only hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced Salmonella levels on eggshell fragments. Significant reductions in the number of Salmonella-positive chicks occurred using the ozone and hydrogen peroxide treatments. Hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced the magnitude of Salmonella colonization in chicken ceca. These trials demonstrated that the spread of bacteria can be effectively reduced in the hatching cabinet by air sanitization using UV light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide. The potential to reduce bacterial cross contamination in the hatcher is achievable without depressing hatchability.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1996

Acute high environmental temperature and calcium-estrogen relationship in the hen.

Much is known about the effects of high environmental temperature (HT) on egg production, but very little is understood about the mechanisms that underlie them. Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of acute heat stress on circulating estradiol, on calcium uptake by gut tissue, on bone resorption, and on the dynamic relationship between estradiol and calcium in the hen during one ovulatory cycle. In one study, hens were moved individually and randomly into a hot [HT: temperature (T) = 35 C, relative humidity (RH) = 50%; n = 18] or a control, thermoneutral (TN: T = 23 C, RH = 50%; n = 18) environment immediately after a mid-sequence oviposition and brachial vein cannulation. Blood samples (2 mL) were collected every 3 h for 21 h for ionized calcium (Ca2+) and pH determinations and from which aliquots were frozen for 17 beta-estradiol (E2), total calcium (TCa), and inorganic P analysis. Excreta and urine were assayed for TCa and hydroxyproline (OHPr), respectively. A second study was conducted to determine the effects of HT (T = 35, H = 50%, 12 h) vs TN (T = 23 C, RH = 50%, 12 h) on the ability of duodenal cells to take up calcium (CaT). Blood pH and calcium responded to HT as expected (pH increased, Ca2+ decreased, and TCa decreased) and the cyclic pattern of Ca2+ in blood was abolished. The ratio of Ca2+:TCa decreased sharply at approximately the onset of shell calcification in control hens, but in HT hens there was no clear change in the ratio of any point in the cycle. The pattern of E2 typical of hens under normal conditions was significantly depressed in plasma of HT hens. Calcium uptake by duodenal epithelial cells of HT hens was lower than in TN hens. There was a clear inverse correlation between blood Ca2+ and urine OHPr in TN hens (r2 = -73, P = 0.0021) but not in HT hens (r2 = -27, P = 0.32). In addition to alterations in acid-base balance and the status of Ca2+, diminished ability of duodenal cells to transport calcium may be a critical factor in the detrimental effects of heat stress on egg production (numbers), eggshell characteristics, and skeletal integrity often documented in the laying hen.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2004

Opisthorchiasis-associated biliary stones: light and scanning electron microscopic study.

AIM: Biliary stones are frequently encountered in areas endemic for opisthorchiasis in Thailand. The present study was to describe the prevalence and pathogenesis of these stones. METHODS: Gallstones and/or common bile duct stones and bile specimens from 113 consecutive cholecystectomies were included. Bile samples, including sludge and/or microcalculi, were examined for Opisthorchis viverrini eggs, calcium and bilirubin. The stones were also processed for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study. RESULTS: Of the 113 cases, 82 had pigment stones, while one had cholesterol stones. The other 30 cases had no stones. Most of the stone cases (76%, 63/83) had multiple stones, while the remainder had a single stone. Stones were more frequently observed in females. Bile examination was positive for O. viverrini eggs in 50% of the cases studied. Aggregates of calcium bilirubinate precipitates were observed in all cases with sludge. Deposition of calcium bilirubinate on the eggshell was visualized by special staining. A SEM study demonstrated the presence of the parasite eggs in the stones. Numerous crystals, morphologically consistent with calcium derivatives and cholesterol precipitates, were seen. CONCLUSION: Northeast Thailand has a high prevalence of pigment stones, as observed at the cholecystectomy, and liver fluke infestation seems involved in the pathogenesis of stone formation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

LacdiNAc-glycans constitute a parasite pattern for galectin-3-mediated immune recognition.

Although Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc (LacNAc) moieties are the most common constituents of N-linked glycans on vertebrate proteins, GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc (LacdiNAc, LDN)-containing glycans are widespread in invertebrates, such as helminths. We postulated that LDN might be a molecular pattern for recognition of helminth parasites by the immune system. Using LDN-based affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry, we have identified galectin-3 as the major LDN-binding protein in macrophages. By contrast, LDN binding was not observed with galectin-1. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and a solid phase binding assay demonstrated that galectin-3 binds directly to neoglycoconjugates carrying LDN glycans. In addition, galectin-3 bound to Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg Ags and a mAb against the LDN glycan inhibited this binding, suggesting that LDN glycans within S. mansoni soluble egg Ags contribute to galectin-3 binding. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated high levels of galectin-3 in liver granulomas of S. mansoni-infected hamsters, and a colocalization of galectin-3 and LDN glycans was observed on the parasite eggshells. Finally, we demonstrate that galectin-3 can mediate recognition and phagocytosis of LDN-coated particles by macrophages. These findings provide evidence that LDN-glycans constitute a parasite pattern for galectin-3-mediated immune recognition.

Animals↗