Behavioral analysis of piglets exposed to a second immune challenge following maternal immune activation

Rymut, Haley Elizabeth

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108717 Copy

Description

Title

Behavioral analysis of piglets exposed to a second immune challenge following maternal immune activation

Author(s)

Rymut, Haley Elizabeth

Issue Date

2020-07-20

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Rodriguez-Zas, Sandra

Committee Member(s)

• Rund, Laurie
• Villamil, Maria

Department of Study

Animal Sciences

Discipline

Animal Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
• Poly(I:C)
• maternal immune activation
• behavior

Abstract

The combined effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) and a second immune challenge later in life on pig behavior have not been studied. Deciphering these effects is particularly relevant in diseases that can have pronounced effects during gestation, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The viral mimetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) elicits immune response akin to a viral challenge, yet the effect of this immune stimulant on pig behavior has not been assessed. The present study advances the understanding of the combined effect of MIA and a second immune challenge later in life on female and male pig behavior. Three complementary experiments enabled the development of an effective Poly(I:C) challenge in pigs and testing the interaction of PRRSV-elicited MIA, Poly(I:C) challenge at 60 days of age, and sex on the offspring behaviors. Sickness, locomotor, and social behaviors were measured 1-3 hours after Poly(I:C) challenge including vomiting, panting, lethargy, walking, laying, playing, and touching were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed effect model. Results from the first experiment indicated that a Poly(I:C) dose of 1 mg/kg within 1 hour following injection increased sickness. Poly(I:C) alone decreased activity levels, and MIA alone decreased social behaviors. Piglets were sensitized to behavior disruption in both sexes, with males being more sensitive to Poly(I:C) alone and females having heightened responses due to the combination of Poly(I:C) and MIA. Our findings demonstrate that MIA and Poly(I:C) affected behaviors and that these effects, in turn, may impact feeding, social interactions, and health status. Management practices that reduce the likelihood of gestational diseases and accommodate for behavioral disruptions in the offspring can minimize the impact of MIA.

Graduation Semester

2020-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108717

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Haley Rymut

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