摘要Background:Interferon-y (IFN-γ) is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral and bacterial infections.IFN-γ reportedly affects the phagocytic ability of monocytes and macrophages as well as regulates pituitary function in humans and mice.The present study analyzed the impact of IFN-γ on monocyte and macrophage phagocytosis,production performance,and pituitary function in vivo and in vitro (in dwarf chickens).IFN-γ was injected into dwarf chickens through a vein,and then,the laying rate,average egg weight,and levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and IFN-γ were measured in treatment and control groups.For the in vitro experiment,the pituitary tissues were supplemented with IFN-γ,and the mRNA expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSH-β),interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1),and interferon gamma receptor 2 (IFNGR2) in the pituitary were assessed.Results:Monocyte and macrophage phagocytosis product (PP) was decreased by IFN-γ treatment in a dose-dependent manner in vitro.In the in vivo experiment,the level of IFN-γ in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group at 7 d (P＜ 0.05),14 d (P＜0.01),and 21 d (P＜0.01) post-injection.Compared with the control group,monocyte and macrophage PP was lower in the treatment group after injection (P＜ 0.01).The laying rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group at 2 and 3 wk post-injection (P ＜ 0.05).There was a significant difference between the treatment and control groups in the levels of FSH at 1,3,7,and 14 d post-injection (P＜0.01).In the in vitro experiment,increased mRNA expression levels of FSH-β,IFNGR1,and IFNGR2 were observed in the treatment group after stimulation with 100 U/mL IFN-γ for 24 h compared to those in the control group (P＜ 0.05).Conclusions:IFN-γ inhibited the phagocytosis of monocytes and macrophages;up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of the FSH-β,IFNGR1,and IFNGR2;enhanced the secretion of FSH;and improved the laying rate.IFN-γ might be an important regulator in the trade-off between the immune effect and production performance in dwarf chickens.