Macrophages from chickens selected for high antibody response produced more nitric oxide and have greater phagocytic capacity.

Macrophages are fundamental cells of the innate immune system, which, through phagocytosis and nitric oxide production, eliminate pathogens. The aim of the present study was to determine if macrophages from chicken families divergently selected to high and low antibodies response differ in nitric oxide production and phagocytic capacity. Blood monocytes derived macrophages were activated with lipopolysaccharide and supernatant from chicken spleen lymphocytes cultured with Concanavalin A (containing chicken interferon).

Growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus by chicken egg yolk antibodies.

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the ability of egg yolk antibody (IgY) in blocking Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro.

Materials And Methods: Specific IgY was produced by immunizing hens with formalin-killed S. aureus (ATCC 33593).