Abstract:

【Objective】 To detect the type and distribution of influenza virus receptors in chicken, pigeon and tiger, then find the mechanism to explain the difference of these animals’ affectability to avian influenza virus. 【Method】 The type of SAα2, 6Gal and SAα2, 3Gal linkage on these animals larynx, trachea, lung and intestine (colon) epithelium cells was detected by digoxigenin-labeled lectin staining. 【Result】 Abundant SAα2, 3Gal and slight SAα2, 6Gal on specific-pathogen free chickens upper respiratory tract epithelium cells were observed, the alveolar epithelium cells only express SAα2, 3Gal, however the colon epithelium cells express neither SAα2, 6Gal nor SAα2, 3Gal. Adult pigeon upper respiratory tract epithelium cells only express SAα2, 6Gal, but not SAα2, 3Gal. Pigeon lower respiratory tract express neither SAα2, 6Gal nor SAα2, 3Gal.Pigeon colon epithelium cells only express SAα2, 3Gal. There are abundant SAα2, 6Gal and SAα2, 3Gal on tiger respiratory and intestine tract epithelium cells. 【Conclusion】 These data have provided a rational explanation for why chickens and tigers are susceptible to avian influenza virus, while pigeons are not.

Key words: influenza virus receptor, sialic acid, chicken, pigeon, tiger