Hematology and and and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Thai indigenous chickens.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in the early phase of infection in the innate immune response against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF) is an essential transcription factor that regulates the immune system, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to determine the hematological profile reflecting the immune response related to and and gene expression in Thai indigenous chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples (2 mL) were randomly obtained from three chicken breeds (black-boned chicken, Fah Luang chicken, and Pradu Hang Dam chicken) at 16 weeks of age (n = 5 per breed). The hematological profile and mRNA expression within the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by hematological analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

The hematological profile differed significantly in terms of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, and white blood cells (WBCs) (p < 0.05). Black-boned chicken and Fah Luang chicken had lower RBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Fah Luang chicken had lower hemoglobin than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. However, Fah Luang chicken had higher WBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Hematocrit, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). According to qRT-PCR, the expression of the gene did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05), while and gene expression did (p < 0.05). r 4 and genes were most highly expressed in Fah Luang chicken.

CONCLUSION

The PBMCs of Thai indigenous chickens showed evidence of and gene expression, with higher expression levels observed in Fah Luang chicken. From this preliminary study, it is concluded that and genes might play roles in the main immune system response in Thai indigenous chickens.