Neurtrophil function and pathologic findings in Holstein calves with leukocyte adhesion deficiency

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency was diagnosed in 4 Holstein calves from 1 to 4 months old. Calves had severe ulcers on oral mucous membranes, gingivitis, severe periodontitis, chronic pneumonia, and stunted growth associated with severe neutrophilia. Neutrophils from affected calves had function defect, characterized by severely decreased adherence, chemotactic movements, phagocytosis, luminol-dependent chemiluminescent response, and O(2-)-producing activities. Deficient CD18 expression (0.1 to 1.7%) on neutrophils was clearly detected by use of flow cytometric analysis. These affected calves were linked to a common ancestral sire that has been documented to be a carrier. Clinical features, leukocyte functional abnormalities, deficient expression of CD18, and mode of inheritance indicated that affected calves had leukocyte adhesion deficiency. In vitro leukocyte functional abnormalities were associated with deficiency in the expression of CD11/CD18. Pathologic findings indicated possible increased susceptibility to infection associated with this disease.