The aim of this study was to determine and compare the expression levels of IgA genes and associated cytokines IL-5, IL-6 and TGF-β in the intestinal mucosa of clinically healthy baby alpaca, that were orally vaccinated with a clostridial antigen. Ten unvaccinated baby alpacas (control) and 15 vaccinated (two doses with a seven-day interval) were used. Sampling was done seven days after the second dose. Likewise, two age subgroups (15-28 and 35-56 days of age at the time of sampling) were considered. Intestinal segments of 2 cm in length were taken from the middle portion of the jejunum and stored at -196 °C. Total RNA extraction was performed and the complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized by reverse transcription. Subsequently, real-time PCR was run using specific primers for IL-5, IL-6, TGF-β and exon 3 of IgA. Relative expression evaluation was performed using the 2-ΔΔÄCt meth...

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the expression levels of IgA genes and associated cytokines IL-5, IL-6 and TGF-β in the intestinal mucosa of clinically healthy baby alpaca, that were orally vaccinated with a clostridial antigen. Ten unvaccinated baby alpacas (control) and 15 vaccinated (two doses with a seven-day interval) were used. Sampling was done seven days after the second dose. Likewise, two age subgroups (15-28 and 35-56 days of age at the time of sampling) were considered. Intestinal segments of 2 cm in length were taken from the middle portion of the jejunum and stored at -196 °C. Total RNA extraction was performed and the complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized by reverse transcription. Subsequently, real-time PCR was run using specific primers for IL-5, IL-6, TGF-β and exon 3 of IgA. Relative expression evaluation was performed using the 2-ΔΔÄCt meth...