EARLY ONTOGENY OF IMMUNE CELLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS IN THE FETAL PIG

The origin of immune cells and their products have been studied in the prenatal period in miniature pigs. Macrophages were first detected on day 25, and myelocytes and lymphoid cells by day 28. Membrane antigen s SLA-DR and CD45 were found by day 22, membrane molecules MG-7, 8\1, CD1, CD2 and 74-22 by day 28, Gamma\delta T cells were found initially in extrathymic sites (in the liver). The first gamma\delta T cells we re detected as early as 40 days of gestation. The expression of fibron ectin, Thy-1 and its message, Ig isotypes and the first induction of I FN alpha were described.