Neopterin and biopterin as biomarkers of immune system activation associated with castration in piglets

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 89; no. 6; pp. 1758 - 1762
• Main Authors: Maršálek, P, Svoboda, M, Smutná, M, Blahová, J, Večerek, V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Champaign, IL American Society of Animal Science 01.06.2011
• Subjects: Animal productions; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers; biopterin; Biopterins - blood; Biopterins - metabolism; blood; castration; cortisol; fluorescence; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; high performance liquid chromatography; immune system; Leukocytes - physiology; neopterin; Neopterin - blood; Neopterin - metabolism; Orchiectomy - veterinary; piglets; Swine - immunology; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; Cortisol; Neutrophil; Castration; Lymphocyte; pterin; Immune system
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3157

Recent reports have shown that stressful situations may affect the production of unconjugated pterins (neopterin and biopterin). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of castration on neopterin and biopterin plasma concentrations in piglets, using 2 groups of 12 piglets allocated to castrated and uncastrated (control) groups. Pterin concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Blood samples were also analzyed for leukocyte profiles and plasma cortisol concentrations. A time x treatment interaction (P < 0.05) was detected for neopterin concentrations, such that neopterin was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations, and neopterin was greater (P = 0.05) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 h. Castration had no effect on biopterin concentration (P > 0.1). Time effects (P < 0.05) for neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were found. A time x treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for plasma cortisol concentrations, such that cortisol was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 and 24 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations and was greater (P < 0.01) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 and 24 h. This study showed that castration activated the immune system of piglets as demonstrated by an increase in plasma neopterin concentrations.