Characterization of Immune Cell Populations in White Adipose Tissue of Wild Type and Bovine Growth Hormone Transgenic Mice

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a complex tissue composed mostly of adipocytes, but contains other cell types, including a variety of immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, Natural Killer T cells (NK), and depot specific differences in cellular composition and endocrine output. Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to impact immune function as well as adiposity. The immune cell population, within WAT of bGH mice has not previously been assessed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the WAT depot specific differences in immune cell populations in bGH mice. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was collected from three adipose depots. Total SVF cells were significantly increased in all bGH WAT depots as compared to controls. Flow cytometry was used to examine the specific immune cell populations within the SVF. bGH WAT had greater regulatory T (Treg) cell infiltration most likely due to decreased adiposity. CD45 leukocyte stained populations, which represent the global leuckocyte cell population, and CD36-F4/80 positive immune cells, which represent M2 macrophages, were significantly increased in bGH subcutaneous and mesenteric depots compared to controls. In conclusion, the significant decrease in adiposity caused by excess GH leads to marked increases in infiltration of immune cell populations in a depot specific manner as well as increased numbers of other non-immune SVF cells.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Food and Nutrition Sciences (Health Sciences and Professions)

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Harshman, Stephanie G.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Berryman, Darlene

• Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Endocrinology
• Health Sciences
• Immunology
• White adipose tissue
• growth hormone
• bGH
• immune cells
• macrophages
• T cells

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1354123108

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ohiou1354123108