The detection of a mutation of CD18 gene in bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD)

Two calves (5 and 9 months old) affected with pneumonia and gingivitis were also diagnosed as having bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD). The gene of leukocyte adhesion molecule CD18 in these BLAD calves and their dams (carrier) were examined by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digestion of restriction endonuclease. The splicing in mRNA coded CD18 reported in human LAD was not recognized in BLAD on the basis of the results of PCR amplification. The region including the portion of point mutation, which corresponded to the region reported in the human patient, was amplified by PCR, and the PCR product was then digested with Taql. An obvious difference was recognized in the pattern of digestion among healthy calves, BLAD calves and their dams. In BLAD, therefore, the point mutation reported in human patients was strongly suggested. Moreover it may be a method able to be used in detecting the carrier.