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Effects of 4-ipomeanol on bovine alveolar macrophage function
X Li1, C J Czuprynski, W L Castleman
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine whether 4-ipomeanol toxicosis in calves impairs alveolar macrophage functions important in pulmonary defense against infectious agents. Male Holstein calves were given either 4-ipomeanol (3 mg kg-1, i.v.) or vehicle (polyethylene glycol 400). Alveolar macrophages were recovered by pulmonary lavage 3 days later, and their capacities to phagocytose and kill E. coli, migrate toward zymosan-activated immune bovine serum, and produce interferon and interleukin-1 activity were evaluated in vitro. Alveolar macrophages recovered from 4-ipomeanol-treated calves had over a 70% decrease (p < 0.01) in chemotactic activity and over a 37% decrease (p < 0.005) in their capacity to phagocytose E. coli as compared to macrophages from control calves. Interleukin-1 activity in macrophages from 4-ipomeanol-treated calves tended to be higher than that from control calves, but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.06). 4-ipomeanol did not affect macrophage bactericidal activity or production of interferon. These results indicate that 4-ipomeanol suppresses select functions of alveolar macrophages in cattle that may be important in pulmonary defense against bacterial pathogens.
Insights
4-ipomeanol toxicosis significantly impairs calf alveolar macrophage functions, reducing their ability to fight bacterial infections. This study highlights the detrimental effects of 4-ipomeanol on pulmonary defense mechanisms in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary immunology
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary pathology
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages are critical for lung defense against pathogens.
- 4-ipomeanol is a mycotoxin that can cause lung injury in cattle.
- The impact of 4-ipomeanol on macrophage function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 4-ipomeanol toxicosis on bovine alveolar macrophage functions.
- To assess the impairment of pulmonary defense mechanisms in calves exposed to 4-ipomeanol.
Main Methods:
- Male Holstein calves were administered 4-ipomeanol intravenously.
- Alveolar macrophages were isolated via pulmonary lavage 3 days post-treatment.
- In vitro assays evaluated macrophage phagocytosis, bacterial killing, chemotaxis, and cytokine production (interferon, interleukin-1).
Main Results:
- 4-ipomeanol exposure caused a significant decrease (>70%) in macrophage chemotactic activity.
- Phagocytic capacity for E. coli was reduced by over 37% in treated calves.
- Bactericidal activity and interferon production remained unaffected; interleukin-1 showed a non-significant trend toward increase.
Conclusions:
- 4-ipomeanol suppresses key alveolar macrophage functions, including migration and phagocytosis, in cattle.
- These impairments may compromise pulmonary defense against bacterial pathogens.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications of 4-ipomeanol toxicosis on bovine respiratory health.