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Immunological aspects of mammary involution.

S C Nickerson¹

¹Mastitis Research Laboratory, Hill Farm Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Homer 71040.

Journal of Dairy Science

|June 1, 1989

Summary

New intramammary infections are most common during early involution. The mammary immune system

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Area of Science:

Veterinary immunology
Mammary gland health
Bovine intramammary infections

Background:

Intramammary infection (IMI) frequency varies during the dry period, peaking in early involution.
Mammary gland defense mechanisms include teat canal integrity, keratin's antibacterial properties, and epithelial resistance.
Leukocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils play roles in mammary immunity, though function can be impaired during involution.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the dynamics of the mammary immune system during the nonlactating period.
To identify factors influencing resistance to intramammary infection.
To explore strategies for enhancing mammary gland immunity.

Main Methods:

Analysis of leukocyte populations (leukocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils) in lacteal secretions.
Assessment of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin levels during involution.
Examination of immune cell accumulation in teat end tissues.

Main Results:

Leukocyte counts increase during involution, peaking prepartum, but function is compromised at certain stages.
Macrophages are the predominant immune cells in secretions, followed by lymphocytes and neutrophils.
Lactoferrin and lacteal immunoglobulins increase during involution, enhancing resistance to bacterial infection.

Conclusions:

The mammary immune system exhibits dynamic changes during involution, with periods of compromised defense.
Factors like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins are crucial for protecting the gland during the nonlactating period.
Strategies such as vaccination and immunostimulation are being explored to bolster local immunity against intramammary infections.

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