Short communication: effects of nonesterified fatty acids on lymphocyte function in dairy heifers

This in vitro study was performed to assess the effects of various concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on lymphocyte function of heifers. Nine Holstein heifers were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with various concentrations of NEFA (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mmol/L). The mixture of NEFA was represented by C16:0 (30%), C16:1 (5%), C18:0 (15%), C18:1 (45%), and C18:2 (5%). The DNA synthesis was diminished at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, and 0.5 mmol/L. The IgM secretion was inhibited at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mmol/L. Secretion of IFN-gamma was depressed at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mmol/L. Increases of plasma NEFA might contribute to explain the higher incidence of infections observed in cows suffering from energy deficit.