Humoral response of cattle to aerosolized Micropolyspora faeni

Calves (7) were exposed to antigens of Micropolyspora faeni by the aerosol route for 9 weeks. The humoral immune response of calves to M faeni antigens was studied; immunoglobulins (Ig) E, G1, G2, A, and M were measured weekly in serum and nasal secretions by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intradermal injection of antigen was performed during the 6th and 9th weeks; responses were evaluated at 30 minutes, 6 to 8 hours, 24, and 48 hours after injection. Total IgE levels in serum and nasal secretions, evaluated weekly, did not show any elevation. Micropolyspora faeni-specific IgE, IgA, IgG1, and IgG2, but not IgM, were produced by calves exposed to the antigen by the aerosol route; individual variability in magnitude of the response was marked. Thirty-minute skin tests were positive for cytotropic antibody in 2 of 3 aerosol-exposed calves by the 9th week, but delayed-type reactivity was not present. The ELISA test results were compared with those from sera of saline solution aerosol-exposed calves and from a parenterally immunized calf. Comparison of isotype-specific ELISA results obtained from M faeni aerosol-exposed calves with ELISA results from calves exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin according to a similar procedure indicated inherent problems in evaluating immune responses to environmental antigens. Aerosolized M faeni elicited a substantial antibody response. In particular, it is noteworthy that antigen-specific IgE responses were detected.