RESUMO
Suckling mice are susceptible to several virus infections and develop diarrhea after rotavirus inoculation whereas 3 week-old and older mice are resistant. Since young mice have a n immature immune system, we investigated the status of CD4 and CD8 bearing T-lymphocytes in intestines of 1, 3-4 and 8-10 week-old mice. Unicellular suspensions of the total small intestine were prepared. Cells were stained with monoclonal antibodies reactive to CD4 and CD8 molecules and were analyzed by flow cystometry. Percentages of CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ cells were markedly increased in intestines of suckling mice when compared to adults. CD4+ cells were apparently not altered. Rotavirus SA-11 infected diarrheic suckling mice presented a decrease of all three studied lymphocyte subpopulations, whereas no changes were observed in virus inoculated weanling mice. We suggest that higher proportions of CD4+CD8+ and CD8+ cells in intestines of suckling mice may play a role in the susceptibility to rotavirus, which would disable the animals to develop a rapid and efficient immune response resulting in resistance.