배아 발생 단계에서 유카탄 미니돼지의 면역계 발달 연구 = Development of the Immune System in Yucatan Miniature Pig during Embryogenesis

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The porcine immune system shares several key similarities with that of humans, including genetic homology, metabolic and anatomical/physiological characteristics, and pathophysiological responses, making pigs an important and valuable animal model. In this study, we investigated the development of lymphoid organs and the distribution of immune cells during embryogenesis in Yucatan miniature pigs. To achieve this, we performed serum chemistry analysis, histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Serum biochemical analysis revealed that liver function markers (AST, ALT, γ-GT, and ALP) showed notable changes during embryonic development, with a tendency to increase until postnatal day (PND) 0. In the liver, erythroid precursor cell populations decreased, whereas hepatocytes and immune cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils increased toward PND 0, influenced by Sonic hedgehog signaling. From embryonic (E) 8 weeks onward, the thymic cortex and medulla became clearly distinguishable, and T lymphocytes were detected alongside activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Gradual downregulation of transforming growth factor-β signaling was accompanied by splenic structural maturation. By E8 weeks, both white and red pulp were evident, with lymphocytes localized near blood vessels and diffusely distributed neutrophils within the pulp.
These results demonstrate that the development of immune organs and immune cells undergoes systematic changes during embryogenesis. The populations and distribution of the immune cells are closely associated with organ development, resulting in a well-organized immune system capable of maintaining fetal immunity. This study provides fundamental insights into the mechanisms of immune development in pig embryos, offering a valuable foundation for utilizing pigs as a model for studying human immune system development.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction 1
• 2. Materials and Methods 3
• 2.1. Experimental procedures 3
• 2.2. Serum chemistry analysis 4
• 2.3. Gene expression analysis 4
• 2.4. Histology 5
• 2.5. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) 5
• 2.6. Statistical analysis 5
• 3. Results 7
• 3.1. Variations in serum chemistry during embryogenesis 7
• 3.2. Development of the immune system in liver during embryogenesis 7
• 3.3. Development of the immune system in lymphoid organs during embryogenesis 8
• 4. Discussion 10
• 5. Conclusion 13
• 6. References 14
• Appendix 20
• 국문 초록 31