Abstract

Immune response of jejunum, ileum and cecum was followed after administration of yeast-derived ß-Dglucan as binder and low dose of T-2 toxin (145.84μg.kg^–1) contaminated diet (2 weeks) in chickens. For that purpose, expression of MUC-2, IgA, pIgR genomes, jejunal IgA+ IEL (intraepithelial lymphocytes), and IgA+ LPL (lamina propria lymphocytes) were evaluated. A total of one day old chickens were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), β-D-glucan (G), T-2toxin (T) and β-D-glucan+T-2 toxin (GT). β-Dglucan in jejunum did not influence the activity of MUC-2 and IgA gene expression in combined GT group, but alone T-2 toxin increased their expression. β-D-glucan alone positively influenced intraepithelial IgA+ lymphocytes (p<0.05) in jejunum compared to T group demonstrating suppressed density, and ileal MUC- 2 (p<0.001) compared to C and T group. On the other hand, chickens of GT group showed increased pIgR expression (p<0.001) together with IgA⁺ IEL and IgA⁺ LPL density in jejunum. Challenge with T-2 toxin showed beneficial effect of ß-D-glucan on jejunal IgA production. Moreover, immunomodulatory effect of low doses of T-2 toxin on IgA generation was indicated by improving pIgR gene expression in intestine.

Keywords:T-2 toxin; β-D-glucan; Immunity; Small intestine; Chickens